1. Prepare ingredients: Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and arrange toppings. If using homemade seasoning, mix the spices in a small bowl.
2. Heat the pan: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil if using (skip if fat content of beef is sufficient).
3. Cook onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook 5–7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if there’s a lot, leaving a tablespoon for flavor. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Add seasoning and liquid: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef, stir to coat, then pour in the broth or water. Bring to a simmer and cook 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat. Stir in lime juice if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Warm the tortillas: While the beef simmers, warm tortillas by wrapping in a damp cloth and microwaving 20–30 seconds, or heat individually in a dry skillet 15–20 seconds per side, or directly over a gas flame for charred edges. Keep wrapped to stay pliable.
7. Assemble tacos: Spoon seasoned beef into each tortilla. Top with your chosen toppings (cheese, lettuce, tomato, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, etc.). Finish with a squeeze of lime.
8. Serve: Serve immediately while warm. Leftover filling keeps 3–4 days refrigerated; reheat on the stove or microwave.

Tips

• For extra flavor, sauté a little diced bell pepper with the onion.
• Add a splash of salsa or a spoonful of tomato paste when simmering for deeper tomato notes.
• For crunchy tacos, brown the filled tortillas in a skillet with a little oil until crisp.

Enjoy a fast, customizable weeknight classic — bright toppings make all the difference.