Print

Easy Weeknight Beef Tacos with Homemade Seasoning

beef tacos with homemade seasoning - featured image
Print Recipe

These Easy Weeknight Beef Tacos with Homemade Seasoning are the perfect quick and delicious dinner, ready in just 20 minutes. The homemade seasoning blend delivers a depth of flavor that store-bought packets can’t match, making this a family-friendly meal that’s perfect for any busy weeknight.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder (mild, like ancho chili powder)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion (about half a medium onion)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
  • 8–10 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
  • Shredded lettuce or cabbage (for serving)
  • Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo (for serving)
  • Shredded cheddar or cotija cheese (for serving)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)
  • Sliced avocado or guacamole (for serving)
  • Fresh cilantro and lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Make the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Whisk together with a fork and set aside.
  2. Prep your aromatics: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Keep them separate.
  3. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and let cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to sear. Break it up into crumbles and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fully browned.
  4. Cook the onions: If there’s excess fat, spoon some out, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
  5. Add garlic and tomato paste: Push beef and onions to one side. Add minced garlic and tomato paste to the empty space. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir everything together.
  6. Add seasoning and liquid: Sprinkle homemade seasoning over beef mixture and stir to coat. Pour in beef broth (or water) and stir. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 3-4 minutes until most liquid has evaporated and mixture is thick and saucy.
  7. Taste and adjust: Taste the beef and adjust salt or heat as needed.
  8. Warm the tortillas: In a dry skillet over medium heat, warm each tortilla for 15-20 seconds per side until pliable and slightly charred. Stack and cover with a clean kitchen towel.
  9. Assemble and serve: Spoon seasoned beef into warm tortillas. Top with desired toppings and serve immediately.

Notes

For best flavor, let the spices bloom in the hot pan for about 30 seconds before adding liquid. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash more broth; if too wet, let it simmer longer. Leftover beef keeps in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The seasoning mix can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/easy-weeknight-beef-tacos-with-homemade-seasoning/