Name: Ground Beef Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 tbsp chili powder, a mild American-style blend; 1 ½ tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp fine salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, optional; 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ small onion, finely diced; 1 lb ground beef, 450 g, 85% lean; 1 tbsp tomato paste; ½ cup beef broth or water, 120 ml; 8–10 taco shells or small tortillas; 1 ½ cups shredded lettuce; 1 large tomato, diced; 1 cup Cheddar cheese, 100 g, grated; ½ cup sour cream

Ground Beef Tacos

Saucy, well-seasoned taco meat made with a quick homemade spice blend. Pile it into crunchy shells or warm tortillas and add your favorite toppings.

By amine Published October 25, 2026

Taco night is a weeknight favorite for good reason: it is quick, inexpensive and everyone builds their own. This taco meat is made with a homemade seasoning blend that you can mix from spices you probably already have. A little tomato paste and broth turn the beef saucy and juicy, so the tacos are never dry.

Why this recipe works

Homemade taco seasoning. Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic, onion and oregano give a bigger, fresher flavor than packet mixes, with less salt and no fillers.
Browning properly. Letting the beef sit in the hot pan before breaking it up gives deeply browned bits and more flavor.
A quick simmer with broth. Tomato paste and broth bind the spices to the meat and make it juicy enough to hold together in a shell.

Topping ideas

Shredded lettuce, diced tomato and grated Cheddar or Monterey Jack
Sour cream or Mexican crema, sliced jalapeños, salsa and hot sauce
Diced white onion and chopped cilantro (coriander), with lime wedges
Guacamole or sliced avocado

Crunchy or soft shells?

Both. Warm hard taco shells in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes so they are crisp and fragrant. Warm soft corn or flour tortillas in a dry skillet for 20 to 30 seconds per side, then wrap them in a clean towel. For a lighter taco night, try our shrimp tacos.

FAQ

Should I drain the fat?

With 85% lean beef there is usually little to drain. With 80% lean or fattier beef, spoon off excess fat before adding the seasoning.

Can I use ground turkey?

Yes. Ground turkey or chicken is leaner, so add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan and an extra splash of broth.