Ground Beef Tacos with Homemade Seasoning

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb ground beef (85/15)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2/3 cup water or beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 12 small taco shells or corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 2 Roma tomatoes, diced

Instructions

1. Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat; no oil is needed since the ground beef will release its own fat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon or spatula.
2. Cook the beef for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is no longer pink anywhere and starts to brown at the edges. Add the onion during the last 3 minutes of this time so it softens alongside the beef.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
4. If there is a large pool of excess grease in the pan, tilt the skillet and spoon most of it out, leaving just enough to keep the meat moist.
5. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and cayenne if using directly over the beef. Stir well for 30 seconds to toast the spices and coat every piece of meat evenly.
6. Stir in the water (or broth) and tomato paste until fully combined and no lumps of tomato paste remain. Bring to a simmer.
7. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces and thickens into a glossy coating rather than a watery pool.
8. Ground beef is fully cooked and safe to eat once it is no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 160F; since it is broken into small pieces, this happens quickly and evenly throughout this simmer.
9. While the beef finishes, warm the taco shells or tortillas according to package directions, either in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds per side or in a 350F oven for 5 minutes wrapped in foil.
10. Taste the beef mixture and adjust salt if needed. Fill each warm shell with the seasoned beef and let everyone top their own with cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, and any other favorite taco toppings.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is an estimate per serving and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice.