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Quick and Easy Beef Heart Tacos Recipe

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These beef heart tacos will help you take your taco Tuesday to a new level. Season succulent beef heart with cumin and oregano, then brown to tender perfection on a skillet in five minutes. Pair that with refreshing and crunchy toppings to create an irresistible taco experience thatโ€™s both unique and satisfying. And the best part is that it comes together quickly in 15 minutes.

Healthy beef tacos on a ceramic tray on a wooden board.

Tired of the same old ground beef taco meat? Make heart tacos instead! Youโ€™ll be surprised how easily you can make a nutrient-dense meal in 15 minutes โ€”no need to worry about complicated recipes or spending hours slaving away by the stove. 

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, youโ€™ll have a satisfying and healthy meal on the table in no time.

Heart tacos are a nutrient-dense and cost-effective dinner idea that also lets you explore new flavors and add variety to your meals. 

The tender beef heart, tossed in cumin and oregano, is paired with the fresh and crunchy toppings, creating a flavorful combination that will keep you coming back for more. Plus, you can customize the toppings to suit your tastes or what you currently have on hand and make it a taco fiesta that everyone will love.

So, why settle for boring tacos when you can enjoy a nutrient-packed, budget-friendly, and totally delicious meal with heart tacos? It’s time to step up your taco game and savor the goodness of this unique and delicious cut of beef.

A picture of a close-up on beef heart tacos on a terra cotta tray.

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Short prep and cooking time – A meal doesnโ€™t get quicker than this. The meat cooks in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. 
  • Amazing flavors – The heart is a muscle and therefore doesnโ€™t have the strong flavor usually associated with organ meats. When trimmed, beef heart is very similar to common muscle cuts weโ€™re all familiar with.
  • Budget-friendly – Beef heart is a cost-effective choice compared to other cuts of meat, making heart tacos a great option to routinely have on your menu plan.
  • Basic kitchen equipment – You only need basic kitchen tools such as a cutting board, sharp knife, skillet, and spatula to prepare these hearty tacos. No fancy tools required!
  • Easy-to-follow directions – This recipe is great for beginner cooks as well as pro chefs. Itโ€™s simple enough yet delivers tasty results. 
  • Minimal cleanup – Have all the toppings ready ahead of time for a cleanup that is a breeze!
A woman's hand holding fresh beef taco, ready to eat.

How to Make Heart Tacos

Heart tacos come together quickly in 15 minutes with only five main ingredients for the meat filling and the prep of your favorite taco toppings. 

You can have this flavorful and hearty meal on the table in no time! 

Ingredients You Need

A picture of beef heart taco ingredients for the meat.
Ingredients for seasoning and cooking the beef heart.

For the meat:

  • Beef heart – With its mild and savory flavor, beef heart offers a delicious contrast to other taco ingredients. When properly trimmed and diced into cubes, it cooks quickly and becomes a very tender and tasty cut of meat.
  • Ground cuminInfuses the heart with warm and earthy notes. 
  • Oregano powderAdds savory and aromatic element to the beef heart, contributing to the rich and delicious overall taste.
  • ButterUsed to brown the beef heart. Butter imparts a rich flavor to the meat and prevents the heart from sticking to the skillet during cooking. You may use another healthy cooking fat like lard, tallow, or ghee. 
  • Garlic – Infuses the butter with a garlicky taste and adds an amazing depth of flavor.

I suggest buying beef heart directly from a local farm or online from White Oak Pastures.

A picture of the best taco fixings in individual bowls.
Ingredients for the tacos: tortillas and fixings.

For the tacos:

  • Corn tortillas – A shell to contain the beef heart and all the taco toppings. 
  • Red bell pepper – Adds vibrant color and fresh crunch to the tacos. 
  • Red onion – Brings a piquant flavor and pairs well with the beef heart.
  • Sour cream – Complements the other ingredients and adds moisture to the overall texture of the tacos. 
  • Queso fresco – Adds a smooth and creamy texture.
  • Cilantro – Adds a burst of herbaceous freshness and a pop of color with practically zero calories.

Ingredient Substitutions

Even though this is such a simple recipe, you might be missing one of the key ingredients. Review the recommendations here for quick and clever substitutions.

Here are suggested substitutions:

  • Beef heart – Instead of whole heart, use ground beef heart mixed with ground beef.
  • Tortilla choices – Soft corn tortillas are suggested, but you can use hard shells or regular flour tortillas instead. If youโ€™re on a low-carb or keto diet, substitute with a low-carb tortilla. Cauliflower tortillas or lettuce wraps would also make a great option too. 
  • Seasonings – Experiment with chili powder, paprika, or a taco seasoning blend for a spicier kick. 
  • Topping options – Customize your tacos with various toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced avocado or guacamole, and other cheeses like cheddar or Mexican blend. Top with pico de gallo, salsa verde, or avocado salsa

Variations

Want to add your own spin? Make these fun variations and stretch this recipe into more delightful renditions.

Try these heart tacos variations:

  • Add an Asian twist to the tacos by using teriyaki sauce or soy-free soy sauce as a glaze for the beef heart, and serve the tacos with cabbage slaw, red onions, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
  • Transform the tacos into a hearty taco salad by serving the cooked beef heart over a bed of lettuce, topped with your favorite taco toppings and creamy avocado ranch. 
  • Swap the traditional toppings for Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Top the tacos with sliced olives, crumbled feta cheese, cucumber, and a drizzle of lemon dressing for a refreshing and tangy twist. 

What Diet Is This Best For?

As written in the recipe card, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, sugar-free, low-carb, low-oxalate, and moderate in fiber. If you have additional dietary needs, consider the following modifications.

  • Dairy-free – Omit the sour cream and cheese topping and swap butter with ghee or avocado oil.
  • Paleo diet – Use a grain-free tortilla or a lettuce wrap to hold the taco ingredients. For strict paleo, omit sour cream and cheese and use ghee or avocado oil to cook the garlic and beef heart. 
  • GAPS diet – Use raw cheddar instead of queso blanco and homemade sour cream. 
  • Whole30 diet – Swap the butter with ghee or avocado oil and omit sour cream and cheese topping. 

This recipe is nut-free, grain-free, egg-free, nightshade-free, and phytate-free. Plus, it’s one of my favorite low-histamine recipes.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Start with a trimmed beef heart, dice it, and season it with a simple blend of cumin and oregano. 

Beef heart cooks quickly, so itโ€™s best to have all the toppings lined up and ready to go before the meat hits the skillet. 

Uncooked beef heart slices on wooden cutting board.
First, slice the heart.
Trimmed, diced raw heart on a cutting board.
Then, cut it crosswise into small cubes.
Bowl of beef heart in herbs and spices.
Season the meat in a bowl.
Diced beef heart in garlic butter in skillet.
Cook beef heart in an even layer in a skillet.
Diced beef heart cooking in a frying pan.
Toss until all sides are browned.
A picture of browned beef heart tacos.
Fill the tortillas and serve immediately.

Follow these simple directions, and you canโ€™t go wrong!

  1. Dice the heart into half-inch cubes. Toss in a bowl with cumin and oregano.
  2. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and saute for two minutes or until fragrant and soft. 
  3. Add the cubed heart meat to the garlic butter and cook in an even layer until browned. Flip or stir-fry until all sides are browned evenly.
  4. Serve immediately with all the taco fixings.
Five beef heart tacos on a wooden cutting board with fresh ingredients.

Expert Tips

  • Buy trimmed beef heart. As your butcher to trim it for you, this is the easiest way. 
  • But if you buy a whole or half heart that isn’t trimmed yet, itโ€™s also pretty easy to trim it yourself. Start by cutting away excess fat from the surface of the heart, then separate the tough connective tissues and leave just the lean muscle tissue. 
  • Donโ€™t overcook the meat. Beef heart cooks very quickly, so it may be done in one or two minutes, depending on how small you cut the meat. You can test the doneness of beef heart by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the beef pieces. Take the beef heart off the heat when the internal temperature reaches 130 F.  
  • Taste and adjust. I always recommend tasting the beef heart before assembling the tacos so you can adjust the seasoning as you like best. 

Nutritional Info

This recipe yields six heart tacos.

Per serving:

  • 228 calories
  • 17 g protein
  • 12 g fat
  • 14 g total carbs *with corn tortillas. Use a low-carb option to reduce the total carb count.
  • 2 g fiber
  • 12 g net carbs

Please note that the nutritional value will change if you substitute ingredients. Use a nutrition app to recalculate and reflect your changes.

Horizontal picture showing beef heart tacos with toppings on a ceramic plate.

How to Store This Recipe

To store beef tacos, keep the meat separate from the other ingredients in a transparent airtight container. Store beef heart in the refrigerator for up to four days. 

To reheat, gently heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil or butter to the skillet if needed. Add the diced beef heart and reheat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Avoid overheating to prevent it from becoming tough and dry. 

Can I make heart tacos ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat ahead of time and keep it stored in an airtight container until ready to assemble the tacos. I donโ€™t recommend making the tacos, complete with tortillas and all the toppings ahead of time. 

Can I freeze heart tacos?

You can freeze the beef heart meat separately from the taco toppings. Keep the meat in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat per the instructions above.

Quick beef tacos in corn tortillas on a tray and cutting board.

What to Serve with Heart Tacos

You can pair heart tacos with various delicious sides and condiments to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Serve heart tacos with Spanish rice, refried beans, and street corn. You can also serve cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative. 

When it comes to all the fun taco toppings, the possibilities are endless. Top your tacos with red or green salsa, various kinds of cheese, sour cream, diced onions, and more!

More Beef Heart Recipes To Try

If you make these heart tacos, please leave a review. I appreciate each 5-star rating and review comment!

Healthy beef tacos on a ceramic tray on a wooden board.

Beef Heart Tacos (with Low-Carb Option)

These beef heart tacos will help you take your taco Tuesday to a new level. Season succulent beef heart with cumin and oregano, then brown to tender perfection on a skillet within five minutes. Pair that with refreshing and crunchy toppings to create an irresistible taco experience thatโ€™s both unique and satisfying. And the best part is that it comes together quickly in 15 minutes.
5 from 58 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Servings 6 tacos
Calories 228 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 
 

For the meat:

For the tacos:

  • 6 corn tortillas or low-carb tortillas
  • 1 small red bell pepper chopped, about one-half cup
  • ยฝ small red onion sliced
  • 6 tablespoons sour cream
  • โ…“ cup Queso fresco
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped

Instructions
 

  • Dice the heart into ยฝ-inch cubes. Toss in a bowl with cumin and oregano.
    1 pound beef heart, ยฝ teaspoon ground cumin, ยฝ teaspoon oregano powder
  • Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute for 2 minutes, until fragrant and soft.
    2 tablespoons butter, 2 cloves garlic
  • Add the meat to the garlic butter and cook in an even layer until browned. Flip or stir-fry until all sides are browned evenly.
  • Serve immediately with all the taco fixings.
    6 corn tortillas, 1 small red bell pepper, ยฝ small red onion, 6 tablespoons sour cream, โ…“ cup Queso fresco, 2 tablespoons cilantro

Notes

  • Buy trimmed beef heart. As your butcher to trim it for you, this is the easiest way.
  • But if you buy a whole or half heart that isn’t trimmed yet, itโ€™s also pretty easy to trim it yourself. Start by cutting away excess fat from the surface of the heart, then separate the tough connective tissues and leave just the lean muscle tissue.
  • Donโ€™t overcook the meat. Beef heart cooks very quickly, so it may be done in one or two minutes, depending on how small you cut the meat. You can test the doneness of beef heart by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the beef pieces. When the internal temperature reaches 130 F, take the beef heart off the heat.
  • Taste and adjust. I always recommend tasting the beef heart before assembling the tacos so you can adjust the seasoning as you like best.
Serve: You can pair heart tacos with a variety of delicious sides and condiments to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Store: To store beef tacos, keep the meat separate from the rest of the ingredients in an airtight container. Store beef heart in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, gently heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil or butter to the skillet if needed. Add the diced beef heart and reheat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Avoid overheating to prevent it from becoming tough and dry.

Nutrition & Macros

Serving: 1tacoCalories: 228kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 17gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 172mgFiber: 2gNet Carbohydrates: 12g

To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, please calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients and amounts used, using your preferred nutrition calculator. Under no circumstances shall the this website and the author be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on the given nutritional information.

Tried this recipe?Please leave a review and share with me!

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27 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    My family enjoys all things organs, they were happily surprised when I told them they were beef heart tacos and couldn’t wait to get the recipe from me. It is a great way to get in those important healthy nutrients organs have in a way that isn’t overbearing, the mixture of the queso fresco with the beef heart seasoning makes this a top choice for dinner time at home.

    1. How fun that your family is so keen on organ meat…and happy to hear they wanted the recipe ๐Ÿ˜‰ Thanks, Celina.

  2. 5 stars
    Ok, I was a little nervous about trying this! Never would have thought to cook beef heart, but it was so flavorful and tender in these tacos. I didn’t tell my husband what the meat was til after dinner though!

  3. 5 stars
    So this was a new one for me!!
    And I admit I took the first bite with my eyes closed and pretty much ready to run to the bin.

    Backstory, earlier this year we won half a cow in a butcher’s shop give away. Everything came vacuum packed and ready for the freezer. We got the heart, I panicked and put it in the freezer telling myself I could just leave it in there for a few years and then justify throwing it out as it would have been past its best even in the freezer.

    BUT, then hubby saw your recipe and knew that if anything was going to make me try heart, then it would be tacos! I LOVE tacos.

    So I found myself cooking heart on a random taco tuesday! I had a margarita for courage and kept the tequila bottle close by!

    I was blown away!! It didn’t taste like offal, it just tasted like a meaty cut! My daughter who had been at work, came home as we were finishing our dinner and picked several bits of meat put of the pan before I told her what it was! She freaked but then admitted that it was delicious and made herself a taco!! She works at a mexican takeout shop!!

    So all in all, thank you for getting me out of my comfort zone and for a recipe that we all enjoyed ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. You’re brave Louise! And it paid off ๐Ÿ™‚
      Thank you so much for your kind words, I really appreciate them! I love reading your story here and hope that others find inspiration from your experience. Thanks for brining one of my recipes into your home.

  4. 5 stars
    I used minced chicken in the recipe as I don’t eat beef. It was very flavorful and the family really loved the tacos.

    1. Of course, any meat works in this recipe if you don’t have the heart on hand or prefer a different choice.

  5. 5 stars
    This taco is full of texture and flavor. I cut the beef heart really small so I didn’t have to cook for too long. And because I love my food spicy, I also put some chopped green chilies in my taco. Honestly, I already planned to make it again soon. It’s too delicious.

  6. 5 stars
    I had never cooked with beef hearts before! The directions and pictures made it to where I was super confident in what I was doing, making new cuts of meat makes me nervous! Will have to make these again was a huge hit for Taco Tuesday!

    1. Thanks for your comments, Jenny. Glad to hear the instructions were helpful and you will be making the recipe again.

  7. 5 stars
    Your heart tacos recipe is a creative and delicious twist on a classic dish! The use of heart as the main ingredient is not only innovative but also adds a unique and flavorful element to the tacos. Your clear instructions and cooking tips made it easy to prepare this adventurous meal, and the result was a hit with my taste buds. Thank you for sharing this intriguing recipe that encourages us to explore new culinary horizons โ€“ it’s a testament to your culinary creativity and passion!

  8. 5 stars
    Wow, never tried beef heart before! (Although chicken hearts were always a favorite of mine growing up and my sister and I would fight over who got them!) What a great way to be sure to use an entire animal. Thank you so much for the recipe!

  9. 5 stars
    This was my first time cooking this cut of meat and it turned out great! Your step-by-step images really helped. I’ll make this again.

  10. 5 stars
    Thanks for the expert tips…I think I’ve always overcooked this cut, but this time it came out perfectly and was a delight with the tacos!

  11. 5 stars
    A neighbor gifted me some beef organ meats, including a heart. I wasn’t sure I even liked beef heart, but tacos are always good so this recipe gave me the courage to try something new and super nutritious. I can’t believe it only took a few minutes to cook the heart! So fast.

5 from 58 votes (43 ratings without comment)

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