Beef Tacos Homemade Seasoning (Printable Version)
Tender spiced beef tucked in warm tortillas with fresh toppings for a vibrant, flavorful meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ 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, optional for heat
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, warmed
→ 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, to taste
# Step-by-Step:
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 necessary.
03 - Sprinkle the prepared seasoning blend evenly over the browned beef. Stir continuously to ensure the meat is thoroughly coated with spices.
04 - Add tomato paste and water to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and flavors meld. Adjust seasoning if needed.
05 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet, microwave, or directly over an open flame until warm and pliable. Keep covered to maintain temperature.
06 - Spoon seasoned beef into each warm tortilla. Add desired toppings including lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, onions, cilantro, avocado, sour cream, and salsa.
07 - Arrange tacos on a serving platter and serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The homemade spice blend hits every flavor note store bought mixes miss
- Everything comes together in thirty minutes flat
02 -
- Draining excess fat prevents soggy tortillas while keeping enough for flavor
- Taste the beef before serving since spice blends vary in intensity
03 -
- Mix a splash of lime juice into the beef for brightness
- Warm your serving plates to keep everything hot longer