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Cozy Weeknight Beef Tacos with Homemade Seasoning

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Quick and easy beef tacos with a homemade seasoning blend that’s smoky, warm, and perfectly balanced. Ready in about 25 minutes, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 8–10 taco shells (hard, soft, or both)
  • Shredded lettuce (optional topping)
  • Diced tomatoes (optional topping)
  • Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (optional topping)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional topping)
  • Sliced jalapeños (optional topping)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional topping)
  • Lime wedges (optional topping)

Instructions

  1. Make the seasoning blend: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne (if using), cocoa powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk with a fork to break up clumps. Set aside.
  2. Prep your ingredients: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Measure out the beef broth and tomato paste.
  3. Heat the oil: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let it shimmer for about 30 seconds.
  4. Cook the onion: Add the diced onion to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.
  5. Add the garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  6. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it apart with a wooden spoon into small crumbles. Let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to get a sear, then stir and continue cooking until no pink remains, about 5-6 minutes total.
  7. Drain excess fat (optional): If the beef is fatty, tilt the pan and spoon out most of the fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
  8. Add the seasoning and tomato paste: Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the beef and add the tomato paste. Stir until the meat is evenly coated. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  9. Pour in the broth: Add the beef broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces slightly and the meat looks saucy.
  10. Taste and adjust: Adjust salt or heat to your preference.
  11. Warm the taco shells: For hard shells, place on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes. For soft tortillas, warm in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side.
  12. Assemble and serve: Spoon the beef into the shells and top with your favorite fixings. Serve immediately.

Notes

Double the seasoning blend and store in a jar for future use. For best texture, let the meat brown properly without stirring too often. The beef tastes even better the next day as the spices meld. Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef tacos, homemade taco seasoning, weeknight dinner, easy tacos, ground beef tacos, quick dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://tablemira.com/cozy-weeknight-beef-tacos-with-homemade-seasoning/