Beef Tacos Homemade Seasoning (Print)
Ground beef with aromatic spices in warm tortillas, topped with fresh vegetables and cheese.
# What You Need:
→ Taco Seasoning
01 - 1 tbsp chili powder
02 - 1 tsp ground cumin
03 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 - 1 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1 tsp onion powder
06 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
07 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Beef Filling
10 - 1 lb ground beef, 85% lean
11 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
12 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
13 - 1/4 cup tomato sauce
14 - 1/4 cup water
15 - 1 tbsp olive oil
→ To Serve
16 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
17 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
18 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
19 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
20 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
21 - 1/4 cup diced red onion
22 - lime wedges
23 - sour cream, optional
24 - sliced jalapeños, optional
# How To Make It:
01 - Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
04 - Sprinkle the prepared taco seasoning evenly over the browned beef. Stir well to coat the meat completely with the spice mixture.
05 - Pour in tomato sauce and water. Stir to combine, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
06 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or wrap in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds until warm and pliable.
07 - Spoon seasoned beef filling into each warm tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, cilantro, red onion, and any optional toppings. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The homemade seasoning hits deeper than store bought with layers of smoky sweet and heat that make people pause mid bite
- Everything comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
02 -
- Draining the excess fat after browning the beef prevents the tacos from becoming greasy but leave about a tablespoon behind to carry the seasoning
- The beef mixture tastes even better the next day so making double is never a mistake
03 -
- Double or triple the seasoning blend and store it in a jar so you can skip that step next time
- Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet instead of the microwave for better texture