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Classic Beef Tacos with Homemade Seasoning - Bold Kosher Flavors - Mexican recipe
Tuesday night at our house means taco night, and after years of using those little seasoning packets, I finally cracked the code on making my own blend. It started when I realized most store-bought packets contain mysterious ingredients I can't pronounce, plus they're often way too salty for my taste. Making your own seasoning mix takes maybe two minutes longer, but the flavor difference is incredible. I grew up eating tacos from a little Mexican place near our synagogue, and the owner would always pile on extra seasoned beef that had this perfect balance of heat and warmth. These kosher beef tacos capture that same spirit. The key is browning the ground beef properly so you get those crispy edges, then letting the spices bloom in the rendered fat before adding any liquid. Don't rush this step because that's where all the deep flavor develops. What makes this version work so well is the combination of warming spices like cumin and paprika with just enough chili powder to give it a gentle kick. I add a touch of oregano and garlic powder to round everything out. The seasoning clings perfectly to the meat, and you can adjust the heat level by tweaking the chili powder amount. My kids prefer it mild while my husband dumps on the hot sauce. These tacos are perfect for busy weeknights because the whole thing comes together in about 20 minutes. I like to set up a little taco bar with warmed corn tortillas, diced onions, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. Sometimes I'll add some sliced radishes or pickled jalapeños if I'm feeling fancy. The leftovers make excellent nachos the next day too.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Homemade Taco Seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
For the Tacos
  • 2 pounds ground beef 80/20 blend works best
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2/3 cup beef broth or water
  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • 1 medium white onion finely diced, for serving
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped, for serving
  • 2 limes cut into wedges, for serving

Method
 

Make the Seasoning and Cook the Beef
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together all the taco seasoning ingredients: chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using. Set aside.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through. Don't stir too often so the meat can develop some crispy edges.
  5. Drain any excess fat if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  6. Add the homemade taco seasoning to the beef and stir to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1 minute to let the spices bloom and become fragrant.
  7. Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the mixture is saucy but not wet. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Warm the Tortillas and Serve
  1. While the beef finishes cooking, warm the tortillas. You can do this by wrapping them in damp paper towels and microwaving for 30-45 seconds, or heating them directly over a gas burner flame for 10-15 seconds per side.
  2. Fill each warm tortilla with about 1/3 cup of the seasoned beef mixture.
  3. Top with diced white onion, chopped cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side.
  4. Serve immediately while the tortillas are still warm.

Notes

The homemade seasoning can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Double the recipe and keep it on hand for quick taco nights. Leftover seasoned beef keeps in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth. You can also freeze the cooked beef for up to 3 months. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder to 1 tablespoon and omit the cayenne.
Nutrition Facts
6 servings per recipe
Serving size 1 serving
Calories 285
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 14g 18%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 65mg 22%
Sodium 485mg 21%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 22g 44%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.