Beef Tacos with Homemade Seasoning (Printable View)
Juicy ground beef spiced with homemade seasoning, served in warm tortillas with fresh toppings and bold flavors.
# Ingredient List:
→ Taco Seasoning
01 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
02 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Beef Filling
10 - 1 pound 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 tablespoon olive oil
→ Toppings and Tortillas
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
24 - Sliced jalapeños
# How to Prepare:
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, being careful not to burn it.
03 - Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until completely browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
04 - Sprinkle the prepared taco seasoning evenly over the browned beef. Stir well to ensure the meat is thoroughly coated with the spice mixture.
05 - Pour in tomato sauce and water, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 4-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
06 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 15-20 seconds per side until warm and pliable, or microwave in batches for 20-30 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel.
07 - Spoon the seasoned beef filling into each warm tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, cilantro, red onion, and any additional toppings as desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The homemade seasoning blend comes together in seconds but makes these tacos taste infinitely better than anything from a packet
- Ground beef with 15% fat creates the perfect juicy texture without being greasy
- You can customize the heat level and have a dinner everyone actually gets excited about
02 -
- The seasoning needs to fully coat the beef before adding liquid or you will end up with clumps of spice
- Letting the meat simmer in the sauce for those few minutes is what transforms it from ground beef to actual taco filling
- Warm tortillas make a bigger difference than most people realize
03 -
- Dont skip draining the excess fat or your tacos will be soggy and heavy
- The seasoning blend doubles easily and keeps for months in your spice cabinet