Beef Tacos Homemade Seasoning (Printable)
Juicy ground beef flavored with bold spices, served in warm tortillas with fresh toppings for a vibrant meal.
# What's Needed:
→ 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
24 - Sliced jalapeños
# 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.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
04 - Add ground beef to the skillet. Break up with a spatula and cook until browned throughout, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
05 - Sprinkle the prepared taco seasoning evenly over the browned beef. Stir well to coat the meat completely with spices.
06 - 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 meat.
07 - Taste the beef mixture and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Remove from heat.
08 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or microwave wrapped in damp paper towels for 30 seconds.
09 - Spoon seasoned beef into warm tortillas. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, cilantro, red onion, and optional toppings. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
# Tips for Success:
01 -
- Homemade seasoning makes everything taste brighter and fresher than store bought packets
- Comes together in under 40 minutes for a weeknight meal that feels special
- Infinitely customizable based on what toppings you have on hand
02 -
- Draining the beef fat before adding seasoning prevents greasy tacos but leave a little for flavor
- The mixture needs those few minutes of simmering to fully hydrate the spices and mellow their raw edge
- Warm tortillas make or break the experience, cold ones crack and fall apart immediately
03 -
- Toast the tortillas directly over a gas flame for the most authentic charred flavor
- Mix a little lime juice into the beef during the last minute of cooking
- Prepare all toppings before starting the beef so everything is ready to assemble