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Classic Beef Tacos Recipe with Easy Zesty Homemade Seasoning

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A quick and easy classic beef tacos recipe featuring a zesty homemade seasoning blend that delivers bold, authentic Mexican flavors perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika (smoked if possible)
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 8–10 small corn or flour tortillas
  • Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the seasoning blend: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Increase heat to medium-high. Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
  4. Sprinkle the homemade seasoning blend evenly over the browned beef. Stir in the tomato paste, mixing thoroughly to coat the meat.
  5. Pour in beef broth or water, stir, and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and flavors meld. Add more broth if too dry.
  6. While the beef simmers, warm tortillas one by one in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until warm and pliable. Keep covered with a clean towel to stay soft.
  7. Assemble tacos by spooning the beef mixture onto each tortilla. Top with desired toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, cheese, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime.

Notes

Keep seasoning blend in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control spice level. Warm tortillas properly before serving for best texture. Leftover beef mixture stores well in fridge for up to 3 days and freezes for 2 months.

Nutrition

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

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