Beef Tacos Homemade Seasoning (Printable Version)
Juicy ground beef combined with bold spices and fresh toppings in warm tortillas for a flavorful meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef
01 - 1.1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
→ Homemade Taco Seasoning
02 - 1 ½ tsp chili powder
03 - 1 tsp ground cumin
04 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
05 - ½ tsp garlic powder
06 - ½ tsp onion powder
07 - ¼ tsp dried oregano
08 - ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
09 - ½ tsp salt
10 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Other
11 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
12 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
13 - ¼ cup tomato sauce or passata
14 - ¼ cup water
15 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
→ Toppings (optional)
16 - Shredded lettuce
17 - Diced tomato
18 - Shredded cheddar cheese
19 - Sliced avocado
20 - Sour cream
21 - Fresh cilantro
22 - Lime wedges
# Step-by-Step:
01 - In a small bowl, blend all seasoning ingredients thoroughly and set aside.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until evenly browned, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
03 - Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
04 - Evenly sprinkle the prepared taco seasoning over the beef mixture, stirring to coat completely.
05 - Pour in tomato sauce and water, stir well and reduce heat. Simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste.
06 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
07 - Spoon the seasoned beef into each tortilla, then add desired garnishes.
08 - Present immediately with lime wedges on the side.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This seasoning blend feels like a secret handshake between friends, warming up simple ingredients into something unforgettable
- It quickly became a favorite because the flavors are rich but the recipe stays easy and approachable
02 -
- Using fresh spices instead of pre-mixed packets was a game changer for flavor depth
- Draining some fat after browning helps prevent soggy tortillas and keeps the seasoning vibrant
03 -
- Toast your spices briefly before mixing for an added depth of flavor
- Letting the beef and sauce simmer just a few minutes longer allows the flavors to marry beautifully