Beef Tacos Homemade Seasoning (Print Version)
Juicy ground beef spiced with a savory blend, served in warm tortillas with fresh toppings and a lime wedge.
# What You Need:
→ Taco Seasoning
01 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
02 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Beef Filling
10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
11 - 1 small onion, finely diced
12 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
13 - 1 pound ground beef
14 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
15 - 1/2 cup water
→ Serving Components
16 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
17 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
18 - 1 cup chopped tomatoes
19 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
20 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
21 - 1/4 cup sour cream
22 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
# How to Prepare:
01 - Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until uniformly blended.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to brown.
04 - Add ground beef to the skillet. Break up meat with a spatula and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until fully browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
05 - Stir in tomato paste and the prepared taco seasoning blend. Mix thoroughly to coat the beef evenly with spices.
06 - Pour in water and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld together.
07 - Heat tortillas according to package directions or warm in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
08 - Spoon beef mixture into warm tortillas. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and cilantro. Add a dollop of sour cream and serve with lime wedges.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The homemade seasoning blend takes literally two minutes but makes these tacos taste like they came from a restaurant
- Everything comes together in under thirty minutes, perfect for those nights when everyone is hungry and patience is running low
02 -
- The beef mixture continues to thicken as it sits off the heat, so do not worry if the sauce looks a little loose right when you finish cooking
- Warming the tortillas properly makes such a difference in texture and prevents them from tearing when you fold them
03 -
- Use the back of your spoon to really mash the tomato paste into the beef so it distributes evenly
- Warm your tortillas over an open gas flame for that perfect slightly charred restaurant taste