Beef Tacos Homemade Seasoning (Printable)
Enjoy quick, satisfying ground beef tacos with a zesty homemade seasoning blend, served in warm tortillas and fresh toppings.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Homemade Taco Seasoning
01 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
02 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ For the Taco Filling
10 - 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
11 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
12 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
13 - 2/3 cup water
14 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
→ For Serving
15 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
16 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
17 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
18 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
19 - 1/2 cup sour cream
20 - 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
21 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
# How-To Steps:
01 - Combine chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Set aside for later use.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through (approximately 5-6 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
03 - Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
04 - Sprinkle the prepared homemade taco seasoning over the beef mixture. Stir in the tomato paste and water, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
05 - Reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
06 - While the beef filling simmers, warm the tortillas. This can be done in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or by wrapping them in foil and heating them in a low oven.
07 - To assemble, spoon a portion of the beef mixture into each warm tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
08 - Serve the assembled beef tacos immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You'll discover the magic of homemade taco seasoning (it's truly a game-changer).
- This recipe is incredibly fast, making it perfect for those 'what's for dinner?' moments.
02 -
- Draining the fat from the ground beef is a small step, but it prevents greasy tacos and allows the seasoning to shine.
- Don't rush the simmer; letting the flavors meld together for those extra minutes truly makes a difference.
03 -
- Toast your spices lightly before adding them to the beef for an even more intense flavor profile.
- Don't overcrowd your skillet when browning the beef; cook in batches if necessary for proper caramelization.