Beef Tacos Homemade Seasoning (Printable)
Savory ground beef seasoned with a flavorful spice blend, paired with crisp shells and fresh toppings.
# What You'll 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 preferred)
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 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 Make It:
01 - Combine all 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 mostly cooked through, approximately 5 minutes.
03 - Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
04 - Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef mixture. Add tomato paste and water, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until thickened and well coated.
05 - Heat taco shells according to package directions.
06 - Fill each shell with the seasoned beef. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese, cilantro, sour cream, and avocado slices as desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- You control the salt and heat instead of trusting a foil packet you cant pronounce.
- The beef gets deeply flavored and glossy without tasting dusty or one note.
- Everyone can build their own taco exactly how they want it, which makes dinnertime relaxed and happy.
02 -
- Dont skip draining the beef if it looks greasy, or your tacos will turn soggy and heavy instead of light and flavorful.
- Simmer the seasoned beef long enough for the water to cook off and the spices to bloom, or the filling will taste raw and gritty.
- Warm your taco shells right before serving so they stay crisp and dont crack when you fill them.
03 -
- Toast your taco shells in a 350 degree oven for 3 to 5 minutes to make them extra crispy and fragrant.
- Taste the beef filling before you serve it and adjust the salt or add a pinch more cumin if it needs a boost.
- Double or triple the seasoning blend and keep it in a jar so you can make tacos on a whim without measuring spices every time.