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Sizzling Beef Tacos

These homemade beef tacos are flavorful, juicy, and customizable, making them perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the taco seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional) optional for heat
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional) optional to round out flavors
For the taco meat
  • 1 pound ground beef preferably 85/15 or 90/10 for balance of flavor and grease
  • 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
  • 2/3 cup water or low sodium beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon tomato paste (optional) for extra sauciness
Taco toppings
  • shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or crumbly cotija cheese
  • crisp iceberg or romaine lettuce or shredded cabbage
  • diced red onion or scallions
  • diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
  • pickled jalapeños or fresh sliced jalapeños
  • sour cream or Mexican crema
  • sliced avocado or guacamole
  • chopped cilantro
  • lime wedges for squeezing
  • salsa, hot sauce, or a smoky chipotle sauce

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Stir together all taco seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Store in a jar.
  2. Warm tortillas in a microwave or skillet.
Cooking the Beef
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles, about 6-7 minutes until no longer pink.
  2. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add about 2 tablespoons of the homemade taco seasoning and 2/3 cup of water or broth. Stir well. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the liquid reduces.
  4. For saucier meat, add more broth and 1 teaspoon of tomato paste. Taste and adjust the salt if necessary.
Assembling Tacos
  1. Begin layering tacos starting with the meat, then cheese, followed by your choice of crunchy toppings, sauce, and a squeeze of lime.

Notes

Keep cooked taco meat in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet with a tablespoon of water.