Beef Tacos with Seasoning (Printable)
Tender beef seasoned with a bold blend, served in warm tortillas with fresh fixings for a lively 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
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
# How-To Steps:
01 - Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, 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 apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned, approximately 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
03 - Sprinkle the prepared seasoning blend evenly over the browned beef. Stir continuously to ensure the meat is thoroughly coated with the spice mixture.
04 - Pour in water and add tomato paste. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Allow the mixture to thicken and the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning if needed.
05 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet, microwave for 20-30 seconds, or place directly over an open gas flame until warm and pliable.
06 - Spoon the seasoned beef mixture into each warm tortilla. Top with desired combinations of lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, red onion, cilantro, avocado, sour cream, and salsa.
07 - Arrange assembled tacos on a serving platter and serve while hot. Accompany with additional toppings on the side for guests to customize.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The homemade seasoning blend tastes infinitely better than those little packets full of weird additives
- Everything comes together in thirty minutes which means you can have taco night on a weeknight without tears
02 -
- Drain the beef before adding spices unless you want greasy tacos that fall apart after one bite
- Let the meat simmer in the liquid until it almost disappears so every bite is coated in flavor
03 -
- Taste the beef before serving and adjust salt or spices since different chili powders vary wildly in intensity
- Use a potato masher to break up really stubborn chunks of ground beef for a finer texture