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Easy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe with Homemade Seasoning Blend for Perfect Flavor

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A quick and easy ground beef taco recipe featuring a homemade seasoning blend that delivers bold, fresh flavors perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (can substitute with avocado oil)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Homemade seasoning blend:
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper
  • ½ cup (120ml) water
  • 8 taco shells or small tortillas (corn or flour)
  • Optional toppings:
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Grated cheese (sharp cheddar preferred)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Fresh lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the seasoning blend: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix thoroughly and set aside. (5 minutes)
  2. Heat the skillet: Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Let it warm until it shimmers. (2 minutes)
  3. Sauté the onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. (4-5 minutes total)
  4. Cook the ground beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with your spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning. (6-8 minutes)
  5. Add the seasoning: Sprinkle the homemade seasoning blend evenly over the beef. Stir well to coat all the meat. (1 minute)
  6. Add water and simmer: Pour in ½ cup (120ml) water and stir. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer until the water reduces and the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. This keeps the beef juicy and helps flavors meld. (5 minutes)
  7. Warm the taco shells/tortillas: While the beef simmers, warm your taco shells or tortillas according to package instructions or toast them lightly in another dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side. (3-4 minutes)
  8. Assemble the tacos: Spoon the seasoned beef into each taco shell, then add your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, sour cream, and cilantro. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. (5 minutes)

Notes

If the beef mixture seems too dry during simmering, add a splash more water but avoid making it soupy. Warming taco shells improves texture and flavor. For leaner beef, add a bit more oil when cooking. Store extra seasoning blend in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Leftover beef mixture keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freezes for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef tacos, homemade seasoning blend, easy tacos, quick dinner, taco recipe, weeknight meal, Mexican food

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