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Easy Flavor-Packed Ground Beef Tacos Recipe with Homemade Seasoning Mix

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A quick and easy ground beef taco recipe featuring a homemade seasoning mix that delivers bold, smoky, and spicy flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for juicy, flavorful tacos)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (can substitute with avocado oil)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ½ cup water (120 ml)
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
  • Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheddar or crumbled queso fresco, fresh cilantro leaves, sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, fresh lime wedges

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Warm for 1 minute until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Add finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and soft, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet, spreading it evenly. Let it brown without stirring for 2-3 minutes, then stir and break it up. Cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes total. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the beef and stir well to coat. Add 1 tablespoon tomato paste and mix thoroughly.
  6. Pour in ½ cup water, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and clings to the meat.
  7. While the beef simmers, warm taco shells or tortillas according to package instructions or in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side. Keep wrapped in a clean towel to stay warm.
  8. Spoon the seasoned beef mixture into each shell. Add desired toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, cilantro, sour cream, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
  9. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

[‘Brown the beef properly by letting it sit undisturbed for a couple of minutes to develop a crust.’, ‘Do not skip the tomato paste as it deepens the umami and richness.’, ‘Adjust seasoning to taste, starting with recommended salt and spice levels.’, ‘Use fresh garlic and onion for best flavor; avoid powders unless necessary.’, ‘Simmer uncovered to thicken the sauce and concentrate flavors.’, ‘Warm taco shells while beef simmers to save time.’, ‘Drain excess fat carefully to avoid soggy tacos but do not rinse the beef.’, ‘For gluten-free, use corn tortillas and check seasoning ingredients.’, ‘Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, tofu, lentils, or plant-based crumbles for variations.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef tacos, homemade taco seasoning, easy tacos, quick dinner, Mexican recipe, weeknight meal, taco recipe, gluten-free tacos

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/easy-flavor-packed-ground-beef-tacos-recipe-with-homemade-seasoning-mix/