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Square platter of ground beef tacos made with homemade taco seasoning for ground beef.
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5 from 3 votes

Homemade Taco Seasoning

This easy homemade taco seasoning blend makes the best ground beef tacos, and it comes together in just minutes with spices you already have. Use it for tacos, burritos, nachos, casseroles, and more.
Course Dinner
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword ground beef tacos, homemade taco seasoning, homemade taco seasoning for ground beef, homemade tacos, taco seasoning for ground beef, taco seasoning recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 17kcal
Author Blair Lonergan

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne omit for a mild seasoning

Instructions

  • Combine all of the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl or jar and stir until well mixed.
  • Use immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Notes

  • Use 3 tablespoons of seasoning per 1 lb. of ground beef. Double or triple the spice blend to make a larger batch and store it for future use.
  • Drain the grease before adding the seasoning so it coats the meat evenly.
  • Add liquid as needed while simmering. Water, chicken broth, or beef broth all work well.
  • No tomato sauce? Substitute with a thick salsa.
  • Adjust the heat by adding more cayenne for a spicier blend, or omit it entirely for a mild version.
  • Try smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor.
  • This seasoning works with other proteins including ground turkey, ground chicken, ground pork, and shrimp.
  • Store cooked taco meat in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.
  • Finish with fresh lime juice or cilantro for a bright, flavorful touch.
To Make Ground Beef Taco Meat:
  1. Cook 1 lb. ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink, using a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
  2. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the taco seasoning blend and ½ cup tomato sauce (or sub with thick salsa).
  3. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding water or broth if needed to keep the mixture moist. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired.
  4. Serve in taco shells or tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/4 of the seasoning blend | Calories: 17kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 326mg | Potassium: 95mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 1153IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg