Beef Tacos Homemade Seasoning (Printer-Friendly)
Juicy seasoned beef served in warm tortillas topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and cilantro.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef
01 - 1.1 lbs ground beef (80/20 preferred)
→ Homemade Taco Seasoning
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 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
10 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Sauce & Liquids
11 - 1/4 cup water
12 - 1 tbsp tomato paste
→ Tortillas & Toppings
13 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
14 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
15 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
16 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
17 - 1/4 cup diced red onion
18 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
19 - Lime wedges, for serving
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine all homemade taco seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef and cook, breaking apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Stir in tomato paste along with the prepared seasoning mix, ensuring the meat is evenly coated.
04 - Add water to the skillet and reduce heat, simmering for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring occasionally until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
05 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
06 - Fill each tortilla with the seasoned beef, then top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, red onion, cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This seasoning blend feels like a secret handshake with authentic Mexican flavors you can trust every time
- The juicy ground beef gets perfectly coated, making every bite pop with just the right balance of spice and savory goodness
02 -
- Don&t skip draining the excess fat after browning the beef, or your tacos can end up greasy instead of juicy
- Add water slowly when simmering; too much and the flavors dilute, too little and it can get dry fast
03 -
- Use fresh spices for your taco seasoning; stale spices mask the vibrancy you want to capture
- Simmer with the lid off to reduce sauce for a thicker, more clingy beef mixture