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Easy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe with Homemade 5-Ingredient Seasoning Perfect for Quick Meals

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A quick and easy ground beef taco recipe featuring a simple homemade 5-ingredient seasoning blend that delivers bold, savory flavor without complicated ingredients or steps.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika optional)
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, lime wedges
  • Soft or hard taco shells (corn or flour tortillas)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, oregano, and salt to prepare the seasoning blend.
  2. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat; add a drizzle of oil if using lean beef.
  4. Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  6. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  7. Drain excess fat if desired, leaving a little for flavor.
  8. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the beef and stir well to coat.
  9. Add 1/2 cup (120 ml) water to the pan, stir, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more water if needed.
  10. Warm taco shells or tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for about 30 seconds.
  11. Assemble tacos by spooning seasoned beef into warmed shells and adding desired toppings.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper browning. Add seasoning gradually and adjust to taste. Simmer with water to bloom spices and create a saucier filling. Garlic burns quickly; add after onions soften and cook briefly. Warm tortillas while beef simmers to save time. For smoky flavor, add chipotle powder or smoked paprika. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef tacos, easy tacos, homemade taco seasoning, quick meals, 5-ingredient seasoning, taco night, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://spoonette.com/easy-ground-beef-tacos-recipe-with-homemade-5-ingredient-seasoning-perfect-for-quick-meals/