Beef Tacos Homemade Seasoning (Printable)
Tender beef cooked with a zesty homemade spice mix served in warm tortillas with fresh toppings.
# What's Needed:
→ Beef
01 - 1 lb ground beef, 85% lean recommended
→ Seasoning Mix
02 - 1 tbsp chili powder
03 - 1 tsp ground cumin
04 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
07 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
08 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
09 - 1 tsp kosher salt
10 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
→ Liquid
11 - 1/2 cup water
12 - 1 tbsp tomato paste
→ Tacos
13 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
→ Optional Toppings
14 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
15 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
16 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
17 - 1/4 cup diced red onion
18 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
19 - 1 avocado, sliced
20 - Sour cream and salsa
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until fully browned. Drain excess fat if desired.
03 - Sprinkle the prepared seasoning mix evenly over the browned beef. Stir continuously to coat all meat with spices.
04 - Pour in water and add tomato paste. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens and flavors meld. Adjust seasoning to taste.
05 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side, microwave for 20 seconds, or hold over an open flame until warm and pliable.
06 - Spoon seasoned beef into warm tortillas. Add desired toppings including lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, onion, cilantro, avocado, sour cream, and salsa.
07 - Arrange tacos on a serving platter and serve immediately while hot.
# Tips for Success:
01 -
- The homemade spice blend hits notes of smoky, earthy, and just enough heat that store-bought versions never quite achieve
- Everything comes together in thirty minutes, but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
- You can adjust every element to match exactly how you like your tacos
02 -
- Taste the beef after simmering—some chili powders are hotter than others, and you might want more salt
- Letting the meat rest in the pan off the heat for a couple minutes helps the sauce cling even better
- Corn tortillas need to be wrapped in a clean towel after warming to stay soft
03 -
- Double the spice blend and store the extra in a jar—taco night becomes a fifteen-minute affair
- If the beef mixture seems too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the consistency you like