These easy shaved beef tacos are the ultimate weeknight win. They’re ready in 20 minutes with minimal ingredients, and they deliver restaurant-quality flavor!
These shaved beef tacos are one of the easiest dinners I have in my repertoire. Everyone in our family loves them because the toppings are totally customizable and they’re packed with protein. And the best part? They start with only four ingredients. I love stocking up on shaved beef from Trader Joe’s and keeping it in the freezer for those last-minute meals. Shaved beef cooks super fast and has so much flavor — it truly is one of those things that always saves me in a pinch. You can keep it raw or pop it in the freezer for a bit to make slicing easier.
My favorite way to serve these tacos is with pico de gallo, fresh cilantro, minced onion, and a splash of lime juice. Sometimes I also level up the tacos up with cotija cheese, roasted tomato salsa, guacamole, pickled red onions, and/or sour cream. Or, you can go a different direction and make a taco salad or burrito bowl with the beef instead!
How To Make Shaved Beef Tacos
I love how shaved beef cooks in a fraction of the time of regular cuts of meat. These tacos come together in under 20 minutes with three simple steps.
- Slice the beef: Cut the shaved beef into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook and season the beef: Cook the beef until it is fully browned in a large skillet (this one is my go-to lately) over medium-high heat. Add the taco seasoning and lime juice and toss to combine.
- Assemble the tacos: Warm the tortillas over a flame or in a dry pan, then add the beef and your favorite toppings.
Hot tip: If you can’t get your hands on pre-shaved beef, buy a piece of ribeye, flank, or sirloin steak and pop it in the freezer for 20-30 minutes, then slice it against the grain as thinly as possible with a sharp knife.
Tips For the Best Shaved Beef Tacos
No fancy techniques here! If you’re a busy parent like me, you’ll appreciate these four simple tricks for the best shaved beef tacos ever.
- Turn up the heat. Medium-high heat is essential for developing a golden brown crust without drying out the inside.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the beef in batches if needed to prevent it from steaming in its own juices.
- Allow the beef to sear. When you finely slice shaved beef, it almost looks like ground beef, so break it apart once it hits the pan to encourage even cooking. Then, let it sit in the pan for a couple of minutes before flipping — the caramelization is where all the flavor comes from.
- Lightly char the tortillas. Speaking of flavor, getting a bit of char on the tortillas over an open flame or on a dry skillet is the best way to achieve that restaurant-quality taste. Make your own flour tortillas or corn tortillas for extra points!
Storage & Reheating
I usually cook the beef in advance, then just reheat it when we’re ready for dinner or a quick lunch. This shaved beef is so versatile, and it stays delicious for days.
- Storage: Store any leftover cooked shaved beef for up to three days in an airtight container (this set is a must-have) in the fridge.
- Reheating: Warm the beef in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to keep it moist.
Hot tip: If you’re not in the mood for tacos, serve the shaved beef with black beans and rice or Mexican street corn salad.
More Shaved Beef Recipes
- Shaved Steak Sandwich — Pile the beef high on toasted rolls with caramelized onions and provolone cheese
- Mongolian Beef — Fried beef coated in a sticky garlic-ginger sauce
- Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers — All your favorite cheesesteak ingredients in tender baked peppers
- Beef Lo Mein — A mouthwatering stir fry of veggies, beef, noodles, and sauce
Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs shaved beef
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning adjust to taste
- 1 Juice lime
- 12 small street taco tortillas
- 2 tbsp oil for cooking
Instructions
- If needed, lightly freeze the beef for 20–30 minutes to make slicing easier. Cut the beef into small bite-sized pieces.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and let it sear without stirring for a couple of minutes to get some color.
- Stir the beef, then add the taco seasoning and mix well.
- Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through (about 5–7 minutes total). Squeeze the fresh lime juice over the beef and toss to combine.
- Warm the tortillas directly over a flame or in a dry pan until they are slightly charred.
- Assemble the tacos with the beef and your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
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