Beef Tacos with Seasoning (Printable)
Juicy seasoned beef in warm tortillas with fresh toppings for a quick flavorful meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Taco Seasoning
01 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
02 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
09 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Beef Filling
10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
11 - 1 lb ground beef
12 - 1 small onion, finely diced
13 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
14 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
15 - 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon water
→ Assembly
16 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
17 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
18 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
19 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
20 - 1/4 cup sour cream
21 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
22 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
# How To Make It:
01 - Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
03 - Incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
05 - Stir in tomato paste and the prepared taco seasoning until the beef is thoroughly coated.
06 - Pour in water, stir well, and let simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
07 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until warm and pliable.
08 - Fill each warmed tortilla with the beef mixture and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and a lime wedge for squeezing.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Ready in 30 minutes flat, with a spice blend so good you'll never buy packets again.
- Ground beef transforms into something tender and clingy with just a splash of water and tomato paste—no fancy techniques required.
- The toppings are a playground, so everyone builds exactly what they crave.
02 -
- Don't skip the tomato paste—it's not just flavor, it's the glue that makes the seasoning stick to the meat instead of falling to the bottom of the pan.
- The water is essential, not optional; it creates a tender, clingy sauce rather than dry, seasoned beef crumbles.
- Toast your spices mentally as you add them—cumin especially benefits from a few seconds in hot oil before the meat hits.
03 -
- Brown your meat in batches if your skillet feels crowded—crowded meat steams instead of browning, and you lose that caramelized edge that makes tacos taste like tacos.
- Save a tablespoon of the spice blend to sprinkle over your toppings right before serving—it adds a flavor punch that people always notice and ask about.