Beef Tacos with Seasoning (Printable Version)
Juicy spiced ground beef in warm tortillas, topped with fresh veggies and cheese for a classic flavor.
# What You'll Need:
→ 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 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
04 - Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking apart with a spatula. Cook 5 to 7 minutes until completely browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if necessary.
05 - Sprinkle the prepared taco seasoning over the browned beef. Stir well to evenly coat all meat with spices.
06 - Pour in tomato sauce and water. Stir to combine, reduce heat to low, and simmer 4 to 5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the meat.
07 - Taste the beef mixture and add additional salt or pepper if desired.
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 filling into warm tortillas. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, cilantro, red onion, and optional toppings. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The homemade seasoning hits every flavor note smoky, spicy, slightly sweet without any weird preservatives or excessive salt
- Once you warm tortillas in a dry skillet until they develop those lovely charred spots, theres no going back to microwave warming
02 -
- The spice mixture can be doubled or tripled and stored in an airtight container for months, making future taco nights incredibly fast
- Draining excess fat after browning the beef prevents greasy tacos but leave about a tablespoon behind because the seasoning needs some fat to bloom properly
03 -
- Mix the spice blend in a larger batch and store it in a labeled jar, then use 2 tablespoons per pound of meat for consistent results every time
- If your beef mixture seems too thick or dry, add water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches that perfect glossy consistency that clings to the meat