Beef Tacos Homemade Seasoning (Printable)
Juicy ground beef with zesty seasoning served in warm tortillas with fresh toppings.
# What You'll Need:
→ Taco Seasoning
01 - 1 tbsp chili powder
02 - 1 tsp ground cumin
03 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 - 1 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1 tsp onion powder
06 - ½ tsp dried oregano
07 - ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
08 - 1 tsp salt
09 - ½ tsp black pepper
→ Beef Filling
10 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
11 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
12 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
13 - ⅓ cup tomato sauce or 2 tbsp tomato paste plus ¼ cup water
14 - 2 tbsp water, plus more as needed
15 - 1 tbsp olive oil
→ Assembly
16 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
17 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
18 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
19 - 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
20 - ½ cup sour cream
21 - ½ cup salsa
22 - ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
23 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
# How-to Steps:
01 - Combine all seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chopped onion for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
04 - Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
05 - Sprinkle the prepared taco seasoning evenly over the cooked beef and stir to combine.
06 - Add tomato sauce (or tomato paste combined with water) and 2 tablespoons water. Stir well and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, adding more water if the mixture appears dry.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
09 - Fill each tortilla with the beef mixture and top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, salsa, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
# Expert Pointers:
01 -
- You control exactly what goes into the seasoning—no mystery additives or excessive salt.
- The whole thing comes together faster than takeout, but tastes infinitely better.
- Watching people's eyes light up when they realize you made the seasoning from scratch never gets old.
02 -
- Don't add all your water at once—the beef mixture should be moist but not soupy, so add gradually and taste as you go.
- Warming your tortillas is not optional; it's the difference between tacos that hold together and tacos that become a scattered mess.
- The seasoning blend keeps in an airtight container for months, so make extra and you'll never need a taco packet again.
03 -
- Make a big batch of seasoning blend and store it in a jar so you can make these tacos on any random Tuesday without any prep work.
- If you have leftover seasoned beef, shred it and use it in nachos, quesadillas, or even scrambled eggs the next morning for breakfast tacos.