Step by step

Method

4 steps

1. 1

   Heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook ½ small finely diced onion 3 minutes until soft and translucent, then add 2 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. 2

   Add 1 lb ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no pink remains, 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if the pan looks greasy.

3. 3

   Stir in 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ cup water. Simmer 4–5 minutes until the liquid reduces to a saucy coating that clings to the meat — not a soup, not dry crumbles. Taste for salt and spice.

4. 4

   Warm 8 small flour or corn tortillas until soft. Fill with the spiced meat and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, avocado, and salsa. You want soft tacos with juicy spiced filling — not dry crumbly meat or cold stiff tortillas.