Beef Tacos with Homemade Seasoning (Printable)
Flavorful ground beef tacos with homemade seasoning blend and fresh salsa, wrapped in warm tortillas. Ready in 35 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef Filling
01 - 1 pound ground beef
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Homemade Taco Seasoning
05 - 1½ teaspoons chili powder
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
09 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
10 - ½ teaspoon onion powder
11 - ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
12 - ½ teaspoon salt
13 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
→ Fresh Salsa
14 - 2 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
15 - ½ small red onion, finely chopped
16 - 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
17 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
19 - ¼ teaspoon salt
→ To Serve
20 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
21 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
22 - 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
23 - ½ cup sour cream, optional
24 - Lime wedges
# How To Make:
01 - In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Toss gently and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
02 - In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
04 - Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
05 - Sprinkle homemade seasoning over beef, add 2 to 3 tablespoons water, and stir well. Simmer for 2 minutes until beef is evenly coated and mixture reaches a slightly saucy consistency. Remove from heat.
06 - Fill each warm tortilla with seasoned beef, top with fresh salsa, shredded lettuce, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve with lime wedges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The homemade seasoning uses spices you already have but creates a depth that those mysterious powder packets never achieve.
- Making your own fresh salsa alongside the beef transforms this from an everyday dinner into something that makes people quiet down when they take their first bite.
02 -
- Never skip draining excess fat after browning the beef - otherwise your tacos will be soggy and greasy instead of perfectly juicy.
- Warming tortillas directly over a gas flame for 10-15 seconds per side creates the perfect slight char and makes them flexible enough to fold without breaking.
03 -
- Toast your cumin seeds in a dry pan before grinding them for your seasoning blend - the aroma difference is remarkable and worth the extra two minutes.
- Keep a small bowl of ice water nearby when chopping jalapeños, and dip your fingertips occasionally to prevent the burning sensation that lingers even after washing your hands.