Beef Tacos Homemade Seasoning (Printable version)
Savory ground beef with bold homemade seasoning, served with fresh toppings in warm tortillas.
# What You'll Need:
→ Taco Seasoning Blend
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 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Beef Filling
10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
11 - 1 small onion, finely diced
12 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
13 - 1 lb ground beef
14 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
15 - 1/2 cup water
→ Toppings and Servings
16 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
17 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
18 - 1 cup chopped tomatoes
19 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
20 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
21 - 1/4 cup sour cream
22 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
# How to Prepare:
01 - Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until evenly incorporated.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced 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. Cook while breaking apart with a spatula until browned and cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
04 - Stir in tomato paste and prepared seasoning blend. Mix thoroughly to coat all beef evenly with spices.
05 - Pour in water and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens and flavors meld together.
06 - Heat tortillas according to package instructions or warm in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
07 - Spoon seasoned beef into warm tortillas. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, cilantro, and sour cream. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- The homemade spice blend hits deeper than anything from a packet and takes literally two minutes
- This dinner comes together in under thirty minutes but tastes like it took way more effort
- Everyone can customize their own tacos making it perfect for picky eaters and adventurous eaters alike
02 -
- The beef needs time in the skillet to develop a nice brown color which adds depth to the final flavor
- Letting the filling simmer even for just a few minutes makes the difference between tasty and amazing
- Warm tortillas are not optional they prevent cracking and make the whole experience better
03 -
- Use fresh spices from the bulk section where you can buy small amounts that stay potent
- Let the beef filling rest off the heat for a few minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly