Tacos

**Ingredients:**

- **For the beef filling:**

  - 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef

  - 1 small onion, finely chopped

  - 2 cloves garlic, minced

  - 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade, see below)

  - 1/2 cup water

  - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

- **For the homemade taco seasoning (optional):**

  - 1 tablespoon chili powder

  - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

  - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

  - 1 teaspoon paprika

  - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

  - 1 teaspoon salt

  - 1 teaspoon black pepper

- **For serving:**

  - Corn or flour tortillas

  - Shredded lettuce

  - Diced tomatoes

  - Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)

  - Sour cream

  - Salsa

  - Diced avocado or guacamole

  - Chopped fresh cilantro

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the beef filling:**

   - Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

   - Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

   - Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

   - Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

   - Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

   - If using the homemade taco seasoning, mix all the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl.

   - Add the taco seasoning mix (either packet or homemade) to the skillet with the beef. Pour in 1/2 cup of water and stir to combine.

   - Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 5-10 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.

2. **Prepare the tortillas:**

   - Warm the tortillas according to package instructions. This can be done in a dry skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or in the oven wrapped in foil.

3. **Assemble the tacos:**

   - Place a warm tortilla on a plate.

   - Add a generous spoonful of the beef filling to the center of the tortilla.

   - Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, avocado or guacamole, and chopped cilantro, as desired.

4. **Serve:**

   - Serve the tacos immediately, with lime wedges on the side if desired.

Enjoy your homemade beef tacos!