Beef Tacos Homemade Seasoning (Printable version)

Ground beef with a vibrant spice blend served in crisp shells topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and cilantro.

# What you need:

→ Taco Seasoning

01 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
02 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
03 - 1 teaspoon paprika
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Beef Filling

10 - 1 pound ground beef (85% lean recommended)
11 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
12 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
13 - 1/4 cup water
14 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste

→ To Serve

15 - 8 small taco shells (corn for gluten-free option or flour)
16 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
17 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
18 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
19 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
20 - 1/4 cup sour cream
21 - 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)
22 - Lime wedges, for garnish

# How To:

01 - Combine all the taco seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and 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 nearly cooked through, approximately 5 minutes.
03 - Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
04 - Sprinkle the homemade taco seasoning over the beef mixture. Stir in the tomato paste and water. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture thickens and is well coated.
05 - Warm the taco shells following package instructions.
06 - Fill each warmed taco shell with the seasoned beef mixture. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, and avocado slices as desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You control every spice, so you can dial up heat or keep it mild without compromise.
  • The beef stays juicy and savory, never grainy or dry like it can with store bought mixes.
  • Everything comes together in half an hour, perfect for nights when youre hungry now.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day.
02 -
  • Dont skip the simmer, the beef needs those few minutes for the spices to bloom and the sauce to thicken properly.
  • If your beef is very lean, add a splash of oil to the pan to prevent sticking and keep the meat moist.
  • Warm the shells just before serving or they will soften and lose their crunch.
03 -
  • Toast your spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before mixing them to unlock deeper, more complex flavors.
  • Use a potato masher to break up the ground beef quickly and evenly as it cooks.
  • Squeeze fresh lime over the beef just before serving for a bright, zesty finish that makes everything pop.

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