Tortilla Wraps with Ground Beef

Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

Step by Step Instructions

1. Prepare ingredients: Finely chop onion, mince garlic, dice tomato, shred lettuce, and measure spices. Have tortillas ready at room temperature.
2. Cook the ground beef: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 4–5 minutes until no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
3. Add onion and garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Season the meat: Add cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the beef. If using tomato paste, stir it in and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
5. Simmer: Pour in beef broth (or water). Scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes until most liquid has reduced but the beef remains moist. Remove from heat.
6. Warm tortillas: While beef cooks, warm tortillas individually in a dry skillet over medium heat for 15–20 seconds per side, or wrap in foil and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes. Keep them pliable.
7. Assemble wraps: Lay a warm tortilla flat. Spread about 2 tbsp sour cream (or yogurt) over the center. Add a generous scoop (approx. ⅓ cup) of the seasoned ground beef.
8. Add toppings: Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, shredded cheese, and a drizzle of salsa or hot sauce if desired. Sprinkle fresh cilantro.
9. Fold and roll: Fold the bottom edge up over the filling, then fold in both sides, and roll tightly away from you to form a secure wrap. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
10. Serve immediately: Cut each wrap in half on a slight diagonal. Serve warm with extra salsa, sour cream, or lime wedges on the side.

FAQ

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, but corn tortillas are smaller and less pliable. Warm them thoroughly and consider using two per wrap or folding as soft tacos. For best results, flour tortillas are recommended for larger wraps.

How can I make the ground beef less greasy?
Use lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7). After browning, drain any excess fat using a spoon or carefully tilt the skillet and soak up fat with a paper towel before adding spices and broth.

Can I add beans or vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely. Stir in ½ cup drained black beans or kidney beans, or finely chopped bell peppers with the onion. Corn kernels also work well. Adjust cooking time slightly if adding extra vegetables.