Beef Tacos Homemade Seasoning (Printable)

Juicy seasoned beef in warm tortillas with fresh toppings for a satisfying, flavorful dish.

# 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 recommended)
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, warmed
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 (optional)
24 - Sliced jalapeños (optional)

# 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 for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until thoroughly browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
04 - Sprinkle the prepared taco seasoning blend over the browned beef. Stir continuously for 1 minute to evenly distribute spices and toast them slightly.
05 - Pour in tomato sauce and water. Stir to combine, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
06 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 15-20 seconds per side or microwave wrapped in damp paper towels for 30 seconds until pliable and warm.
07 - Spoon generous portions of beef filling into each warm tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, cilantro, red onion, and any additional toppings as desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Once you mix your own seasoning, you'll never go back to store bought
  • The beef stays incredibly juicy while getting perfectly coated in spices
  • Everything comes together in under 40 minutes, including prep
02 -
  • Draining excess fat after browning prevents your tacos from becoming soggy and greasy
  • Letting the beef simmer in the sauce allows the spices to bloom and meld together completely
03 -
  • Ground turkey or chicken work perfectly if you prefer something lighter, just add a teaspoon of olive oil to compensate for the reduced fat content
  • Reserve a tablespoon of your seasoning blend to dust over the top of finished tacos for an extra pop of color and flavor

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