Tacos from Scratch Way Better Than a Packet and Just As Easy
Say goodbye to store-bought taco seasoning and hello to bold, homemade flavor with these "Tacos from Scratch Way Better Than a Packet and Just As Easy." This recipe transforms simple pantry staples like chili powder, cumin, and paprika into a perfectly balanced, customizable taco seasoning blend that comes together in minutes. Juicy ground beef (or your favorite protein) is simmered to perfection with a rich combination of tomato paste and spices, creating a savory filling that’s packed with flavor. With just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook time, these tacos are weeknight-friendly and endlessly versatile. Pile on fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream, or add a kick with hot sauce and cilantro. Served in warm corn or flour tortillas, you’ll never look at packaged taco mixes the same way again. Perfect for taco night or a quick and flavorful dinner, this recipe promises restaurant-quality taste in the comfort of your home!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1.5 tsp Chili powder
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 0.5 tsp Paprika
- 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp Onion powder
- 0.5 tsp Dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 0.25 cup Water
- 8 pieces Taco-sized tortillas (corn or flour)
- 1 cup Shredded lettuce
- 1 cup Diced tomatoes
- 1 cup Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 0.5 cup Sour cream
- Hot sauce (optional)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro (optional, roughly chopped)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef (or chosen protein) to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.
While the meat is cooking, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to create your taco seasoning blend.
Once the meat is browned, reduce the heat to low and stir in the taco seasoning blend.
Add the tomato paste and water to the skillet, stirring until the seasoning coats the meat evenly and a flavorful sauce forms, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side or microwave them in a damp paper towel for 20 seconds until pliable.
Assemble the tacos: Spoon the seasoned meat into each tortilla and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Add hot sauce and cilantro if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade, better-than-a-packet tacos!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
645 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 43.6 g | 56% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.8 g | 99% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 135 mg | 45% | |
| Sodium | 785 mg | 34% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 34.8 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.9 g | ||
| Protein | 31.9 g | 64% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 319 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 4.9 mg | 27% | |
| Potassium | 647 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
