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    Home • Main Dishes • Easy Lamb Tacos

    Easy Lamb Tacos

    Published: Dec 2, 2019 · Last Modified: Dec 17, 2022 by Beyond Mere Sustenance with Leave a Comment· This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads ·

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    Easy Ground Lamb Tacos featuring pico de gallo, avocado, and cotija in a corn tortilla on a black plate with grey napkin. Gluten free and delicious!
    Easy Ground Lamb Tacos featuring pico de gallo, avocado, and cotija in a corn tortilla on a black plate with grey napkin. Gluten free and delicious!

    Mexican spices - cumin, cocoa, ancho, cinnamon - complement flavorful ground lamb in these Easy Lamb Tacos. With your favorite taco toppings, you've got a delicious meal on the table in minutes! #TacoTuesday

    Love ground lamb? Find more great ground lamb recipes.

    Gluten free Easy Lamb Tacos featuring spiced ground lamb, salsa, cotija, avocado on a black ceramic plate with a black fork and grey napkin.
    Jump to:
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Tamara Talks - About Tacos
    • 📋 Ingredients You'll Need
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 🌮 Toppings Ideas That Work Well with Lamb Tacos
    • 💭 Tips
    • ❓ FAQ
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 🌮 More Tacos Recipes

    “Ways to My Heart: Buy Me Tacos, Make Me Tacos, Be Tacos.”

    ~~ Unattributed.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Tamara Talks - About Tacos

    WE. LOVE. TACOS. All the tacos. Of course all the "borderlands" are taco heaven, but none of our previous locales offered the variety of tacos and taco ingredients that we enjoy in McAllen...

    Since moving to McAllen in 2015, my blog has featured Fried Oyster Tacos with Citrus Salsa, and Lengua Tacos with Salsa Verde and Caramelized Onions. Of course the seafood here is fantastic, and lengua (beef tongue) is available in every market. I love the vast array of fresh produce (especially the avocados!), and the tortillas are so fresh.

    I have played with global tacos as well: Indian Street Tacos with Grilled Shrimp and Korean Street Tacos with Green Onion Kimchi. All of these recipes offer a unique and flavorful spin on tacos, and require a bit of planning and time.

    My Spicy Lamb Tacos definitely qualify as "unique" and "flavorful," but they are so quick and easy... A simple combination of spices - cumin, cocoa, ancho, and cinnamon - provides a mole-style kick to earthy ground lamb. They're a bold addition to your #TacoTuesday repertoire!

    On to the recipe...

    As I suggest ad nauseum, gather your ingredients. Prep all of your taco toppings (see Taco Toppings Ideas section below). Only then then will you start cooking the spiced ground lamb!

    📋 Ingredients You'll Need

    Here is a quick look at the ingredients in the recipe – it’s handy to use at the grocery store or as a summary of what you need. Skip to the recipe for quantities.

    • ground lamb - If you don't care for lamb, substitute your favorite ground meat. I have often used ground bison.
    • garlic
    • spices - ground cumin, ancho (chipotle, NM red) chile powder
    • unsweetened cocoa powder
    • soft corn tortillas
    • taco toppings (see post and recipe card for ideas!)

    Once you've assembled the ingredients and prepped your taco toppings, proceed to cooking steps...

    🔪 Instructions

    Ground Lamb Tacos cooking steps: 1. Mix spices, mince garlic, weigh ground lamb. 2. Fry lamb, spices, cocoa, garlic. 3. When ground lamb is browned, add to corn tortillas with prepared toppings.
    1. Prepare the ground lamb mixture - Measure spices, weigh ground lamb (if necessary), mince garlic.
    2. Add ground lamb to a skillet, along with spices and garlic. Break up the ground lamb as it browns.
    3. Cook until browned but don't dry it out by overcooking!
    A red skillet with prepared spiced easy ground lamb tacos with toppings - crumbled cotija, pico de gallo, avocado slice, and a tortilla warmer with tortillas.

    🌮 Toppings Ideas That Work Well with Lamb Tacos

    On photo day, we had a quick homemade pico de gallo, crumbled cotija, sliced avocado, cilantro sprigs, and lime wedges. This is a fantastic combination, but it certainly isn't the only combination!

    When planning tacos for #TacoTuesday - or any other night of the week - I have a protein, a salsa, and a fresh ingredient or two (avocado, shredded cabbage), and usually - but not always - a strong-flavored cheese.

    I trust you'll do your best to pick healthy or healthyish options!

    Salsas

    • Pico de Gallo
    • Roasted Tomatillo and Hatch Green Chile Salsa
    • Easy Mango Salsa
    • Red Chile and Toasted Pumpkin Seed Salsa
    • Chipotle Pepita Salsa
    • Fresh Corn Salsa with Avocado

    No time for homemade salsa? Use your favorite brand!

    Toppings

    • avocado
    • shredded cabbage
    • shredded lettuce
    • lime wedges
    • fresh cilantro
    • thin-sliced radishes
    • spicy no mayo coleslaw

    Cheeses

    • crumbled cotija
    • diced queso fresco
    • grated Mexican blend cheese

    💭 Tips

    I don't have ancho, but I do have chipotle (or NM red chile) powder. Will that work? ABSOLUTELY! I use them interchangeably. "Chili powder" is not a good substitute, however, as it is a spice blend rather than ground red chile powder!

    Spices? This recipe was an offshoot of my Mexican Mole Spice Blend. If you choose to make this fantastic spice blend, you'll use 3 teaspoons. You can also use it in Instant Pot Lamb Butternut Squash Stew, Mexican Roasted Chicken and Vegetables, and Instant Pot Ground Lamb Chili.

    Double the recipe and freeze some for later!

    Use a potato masher to break up the ground meat.

    ❓ FAQ

    I HATE LAMB! Can I still make these tacos?

    By all means, YES! Substitute lean ground beef, bison, elk, pork, turkey, or chicken...

    I don't have time to make my own salsa, but the tacos sound great. What can I substitute?

    I love this salsa from Rick Bayless' Frontera Restaurant - Medium Tomatillo Salsa. He has many other varieties to choose from as well! There are many excellent prepared salsas that are widely available in your markets.

    What kind of tortillas should I use?

    I don't remember the last time I bought/used flour tortillas. Corn tortillas have so much more flavor, and their earthy corn flavor pairs well with the ground lamb. I simply warm them in a tortilla warmer.

    How long does it take to make Easy Ground Lamb Tacos?

    Preparing the spiced ground lamb mixture takes less than 10 minutes. Depending on what/how you do your toppings, this is easily a 30 minute meal perfect for weeknight dinners!

    What are you waiting for? That's my question for you!

    Signature in red and green with chiles and limes. Healthyish Latin cuisine.
    Easy Ground Lamb Tacos in a corn tortilla with pico de gallo and avocado on a round black plate with a black fork... a glass of beer in the background.

    📖 Recipe

    Easy Ground Lamb Tacos in a corn tortilla with pico de gallo and avocado on a round black plate with a black fork.

    Easy Ground Lamb Tacos Recipe

    Tamara Andersen
    Mexican spices - cumin, ancho powder, cinnamon - and a hint of unsweetened cocoa combined with ground lamb (and garlic of course!) make a hearty, flavorful taco filling in just minutes!
    4.67 from 9 votes
    Print Recipe Save RecipeSave Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Toppings 15 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Main Dishes
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 241 kcal

    Useful Equipment

    • OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Potato Masher with Cushioned Handle
    • tortilla warmer
    • Frontera Foods Medium Tomatillo Salsa, 16 oz

    Ingredients

    • 12-16 ounces lean ground lamb - see notes
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
    • ½ to 1 teaspoon ancho powder - see notes
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon garlic - minced
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • several grinds pepper
    • corn tortillas - warmed
    • toppings - see post for ideas!

    Instructions

    • To a skillet, add the ground lamb, spices, cocoa, and garlic.
    • Fry until browned but not dried out - about 5 minutes.
    • Warm the tortillas, then spoon the ground lamb mixture into them. Top as desired!

    Notes

    Ground lamb is delicious, but it is a polarizing ingredient. You can sub with beef, bison, elk, turkey, etc. My market has lean ground lamb in 12 ounce packages. It will serve 3 to 4 depending on appetites. It serves 4 at my house. The spices should be fine for 16 ounce packages as well.
    Ancho powder is hot. If you're not certain, use the lesser amount. You can add but not subtract. Chipotle and New Mexico red chile powders are good substitutes; generic "chili powder" not so much. Chili powder is a spice mix with cumin, garlic, etc.
    Nutrition information is an approximation only using MyFitnessPal.com with 4 - 3 ounce servings of lamb.
    See post for more tips.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 241kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 17g

    NOTE: Macronutrients are an approximation only using unbranded ingredients and MyFitnessPal.com. Please do your own research with the products you’re using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.

    Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment and/or star rating! Email us with any questions: tamara@beyondmeresustenance.com

    🌮 More Tacos Recipes

    Unique Tacos Recipes

    We love tacos at Andersen casa! Check out a few of our favorites... It's #TacoTuesday every day!

    Lengua Tacos With Salsa Verde and Caramelized Onions

    Savory, crispy lengua (tongue) in a fresh corn tortilla topped with caramelized onions, vibrant salsa verde, crumbled cheese, cilantro, and radish. Hit one "out of the park" with this slightly non-standard but delicious taco!

    Fried Oyster Tacos With Citrus Salsa ~ For 2

    Crunchy cornmeal breaded and fried oysters are adorned with a bright and colorful citrus salsa, avocado slices, radishes, and shredded cabbage... Perfect for your Valentine or date night!

    Indian Street Tacos with Grilled Shrimp

    Shrimp get marinated in a fresh lime, garam masala, ginger, and garlic mixture before getting grilled. Wrap them in a soft flour tortilla with Mango and Tomato Salsa and Cucumber Mint Raitta for a perfect Indian-fusion picnic dish!

    Korean Street Tacos With Green Onion Kimchi

    With a little planning, you can enjoy these Korean-inspired spicy, flavorful street tacos! Ginger, garlic, sriracha, beef, and tomatoes simmer in the slow cooker until they're falling apart tender...

    Easy Ground Lamb Tacos Recipe

    Mexican spices - cumin, ancho powder, cinnamon - and a hint of unsweetened cocoa combined with ground lamb (and garlic of course!) make a hearty, flavorful taco filling in just minutes!

    Instant Pot Yucatan-Style Pork Tacos

    Slow-cooked flavor in a Yucatecan cochinita pibil style pork made in less time with the Instant Pot! Combined with pickled onions, cabbage, avocado, and cotija cheese, these are some fantastic tacos!

    Quick Chorizo and Egg Breakfast Tacos Recipe

    Super quick and healthy chorizo and egg breakfast tacos come together in just a few minutes and are a great way to start your day!

    More Healthy and Healthyish Main Dish Recipes

    • Peruvian Beef Stew (Seco de Carne)
    • Spanish Stuffed Mini Peppers
    • Creamy Green Chile Chicken Soup
    • Rotisserie Chicken Tacos with Slaw

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