Beef Tacos with Homemade Seasoning (Printable)
Flavorful ground beef seasoned with a homemade spice blend, served in warm tortillas with fresh garnishes.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the 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 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
07 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
08 - 1 tsp salt
09 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
→ For the Taco Filling
10 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
11 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
12 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
13 - 2/3 cup water
14 - 1 tbsp tomato paste
→ For Serving
15 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
16 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
17 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
18 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
19 - 1/2 cup sour cream
20 - 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
21 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a small bowl, mix together all taco seasoning ingredients. Set aside.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
04 - Sprinkle the homemade taco seasoning over the beef mixture. Stir in tomato paste and water, mixing thoroughly.
05 - Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens and most of the liquid is absorbed.
06 - While the beef simmers, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in a low oven.
07 - Spoon beef mixture into each tortilla, then top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
08 - Serve immediately while warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The homemade spice blend costs pennies to make but delivers dollar-restaurant flavor without any of those weird preservatives lurking in the pre-packaged stuff.
- You can adjust every element to match your taste exactly, creating a custom taco experience that puts those chain restaurants to shame.
02 -
- Never skip draining the excess fat after browning the beef, or youll end up with greasy tacos that soak through the tortillas and fall apart in your hands.
- Warming tortillas isnt optional – cold tortillas will crack when folded, while properly warmed ones remain pliable and enhance the overall taco experience.
03 -
- Make a big batch of the seasoning blend and store it in an airtight jar – youll always be just 20 minutes away from amazing tacos without measuring spices again.
- Toast your spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before mixing them together to wake up their essential oils and elevate the entire flavor profile of your tacos.