Beef Tacos Homemade Seasoning (Printable)

Ground beef seasoned with a vibrant spice blend and wrapped in tortillas with fresh toppings.

# What You Need:

→ Homemade Taco Seasoning

01 - 1 tbsp chili powder
02 - 1 tsp ground cumin
03 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
06 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
07 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Beef Filling

10 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
11 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
12 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
13 - 1/3 cup water
14 - 1 tbsp tomato paste

→ Tacos & Toppings

15 - 8 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
16 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
17 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
18 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
19 - 1/4 cup sour cream
20 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
21 - 1 small avocado, sliced (optional)
22 - Lime wedges, for serving

# How To Make It:

01 - Combine chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Cook until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
04 - Add the prepared taco seasoning blend, tomato paste, and water to the skillet. Mix thoroughly to coat the beef evenly with the spices.
05 - Reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the beef is well-seasoned and thickened.
06 - Warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 15-20 seconds per side or microwave wrapped in damp paper towels for 30 seconds.
07 - Fill each warm tortilla with the seasoned beef mixture. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, and sliced avocado as desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The homemade seasoning blend transforms ground beef into something that tastes like it came from a proper Mexican taqueria
  • Everything comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those weeknights when takeout feels like the only option
  • You probably already have all the spices in your pantry, saving you a trip to the store
02 -
  • Don't skip draining the excess fat after browning the beef, or your filling will end up greasy and heavy
  • The beef needs those 3-4 minutes of simmering time to really absorb all the flavors from the seasoning
  • Warm tortillas are not optional—they make the difference between a sad meal and something people ask for on repeat
03 -
  • Taste your beef after simmering—some seasoning blends are saltier than others, so adjust before serving
  • If you're feeding a crowd, keep the warm tortillas wrapped in a clean kitchen towel so they stay pliable

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