Beef Tacos with Seasoning (Print Version)
Juicy spiced beef nestled in warm tortillas, topped with fresh fixings for a flavorful meal.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Beef
01 - 1 lb ground beef (85% lean recommended)
→ Seasoning Mix
02 - 1 tbsp chili powder
03 - 1 tsp ground cumin
04 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
07 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
08 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
09 - 1 tsp kosher salt
10 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
→ Liquid
11 - 1/2 cup water
12 - 1 tbsp tomato paste
→ Tacos
13 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
→ Optional Toppings
14 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
15 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
16 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
17 - 1/4 cup diced red onion
18 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
19 - 1 avocado, sliced
20 - Sour cream and salsa, to taste
# Steps:
01 - Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned throughout, approximately 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Sprinkle the prepared seasoning mix evenly over the browned beef. Stir continuously to ensure the meat is evenly coated with the spice blend.
04 - Pour in water and add tomato paste. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld together. Adjust seasoning to taste.
05 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet, microwave, or directly over an open flame until warm and pliable.
06 - Divide seasoned beef evenly among tortillas. Top with desired garnishes including lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, red onion, cilantro, avocado, sour cream, and salsa.
07 - Present tacos while tortillas remain warm and beef mixture is at peak temperature.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The homemade seasoning blend beats those packets by a mile and comes together in seconds
- Everything happens in one pan so cleanup is almost nonexistent
- Each person can build their perfect taco which means zero complaints at the table
02 -
- Never skip draining the fat or your tacos will end up soggy and heavy
- Let the seasoning toast in the pan for 30 seconds before adding liquid
- Warm tortillas are not optional they are the difference between good tacos and great ones
03 -
- Mix your seasoning blend in bulk and store it for instant taco nights any time
- Warm your serving plates so tacos stay hot until the very last bite