Ground Beef Tacos Homemade Seasoning (Printable View)
Savory beef tacos with aromatic spices and fresh tomato salsa
# What You'll Need:
→ Taco Meat
01 - 1 pound ground beef
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 small onion, finely diced
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
06 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
10 - ½ teaspoon salt
11 - ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
12 - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
13 - ¼ cup water
→ Pico de Gallo
14 - 3 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
15 - ½ small red onion, finely diced
16 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
17 - 1 small bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - Juice of 1 lime
19 - ½ teaspoon salt
20 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Assembly
21 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
22 - ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
23 - 1 small lettuce, shredded
24 - 1 avocado, sliced
25 - Lime wedges for serving
# How-To Steps:
01 - Combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly and set aside to allow flavors to meld for at least 15 minutes.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook while breaking apart with a spatula until thoroughly browned, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
04 - Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Mix well to coat the meat evenly with the spice blend.
05 - Pour in water and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the meat. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed.
06 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 30 seconds per side or microwave wrapped in damp paper towels for 30 seconds until soft and pliable.
07 - Spoon seasoned beef into each warmed tortilla. Top with shredded cheese, lettuce, generous pico de gallo, and avocado slices. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The homemade spice blend hits all the right notes without that mysterious metallic aftertaste from store bought packets
- Fresh pico de gallo adds a bright crunch that perfectly balances the rich seasoned beef
02 -
- The pico de gallo needs at least 15 minutes to sit so the lime juice can work its magic on the onions
- Warming tortillas properly prevents them from cracking and makes the whole experience feel authentic
03 -
- Grate your own cheese because pre shredded stuff has anti caking agents that prevent smooth melting
- Dont skip the water step since it transforms dry spices into a cohesive sauce that coats the meat