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Easy Beef Tacos with Homemade Seasoning Recipe

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These easy beef tacos with homemade seasoning are a game-changer for taco night. Made with a carefully balanced spice blend and simple ingredients, they deliver rich, smoky flavor without any of the fillers or preservatives found in store-bought packets.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if beef is very lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 12–16 small corn or flour tortillas
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Shredded cheddar or cotija cheese
  • Sour cream or Mexican crema
  • Salsa or pico de gallo
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Make the seasoning blend: In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and salt. Whisk with a fork until evenly distributed. Set aside.
  2. Prep your ingredients: Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic. Measure out broth and tomato paste.
  3. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to sear, then stir and cook until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes total. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  4. Cook the aromatics: Push beef to one side of the pan. Add diced onion to the empty side and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Mix everything together.
  5. Add the seasoning and liquids: Sprinkle seasoning blend over beef and onion mixture. Stir well to coat. Cook for 1 minute to toast spices. Add tomato paste and stir for 30 seconds. Pour in beef broth and apple cider vinegar, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Simmer and thicken: Reduce heat to medium-low and let mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until liquid reduces and thickens slightly. Add more broth if too dry, or simmer longer if too wet.
  7. Taste and adjust: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add a squeeze of lime juice for brightness if desired.
  8. Keep warm while prepping toppings: Transfer seasoned beef to a serving bowl and cover loosely with foil. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or over a gas flame for about 30 seconds per side. Stack in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm.
  9. Set up your taco bar: Arrange all toppings in small bowls. Let guests build their own tacos.

Notes

Do not skip the simmering step—it allows flavors to meld. For best results, use 80/20 ground beef. The seasoning blend can be made in bulk and stored for up to 6 months. Leftover beef mixture keeps in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef tacos, homemade taco seasoning, easy tacos, taco night, ground beef tacos, Mexican recipe, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/easy-beef-tacos-with-homemade-seasoning-recipe/