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This is a simple taco seasoning recipe, yet it adds so much flavor to ground beef, making it perfect for everyday tacos or taco bowls.

Beef and seasoning cooking in a pan

Beef Taco Seasoning Ingredients

Of course, it is much easier to buy prepackaged taco seasoning, which we have done many times. However, you actually likely have most of the ingredients for a great seasoning already.   In fact, this recipe evolved over times in which I was out of taco seasoning and needed to punt.

For this simple recipe, you will need ground beef, water, Knorr bouillon (chicken or beef, or similar), fresh garlic, yellow onion, and a Roma tomato.  From your spice collection, you will need paprika, cumin and salt.   If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can also use cayenne pepper and chili powder.

How to Make Seasoned Ground Beef for Tacos

Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet, making sure to use a wooden spoon to separate the meat.  As the meat is cooking, chop the onion and the tomato.

If meat is on the leaner side and not cooking off much grease:  after the meat is about halfway cooked, add in the chopped onion to sauté as the beef continues to cook.

If you are using a higher fat content beef, and there is a lot of grease: cook the meat fully and then drain the grease out by pouring the beef onto a plate or bowl lined with a few layers of paper towel. Then, pat the meat to remove excess grease.  Next, sauté the onion in the pan alone and add the ground beef back to the pan when finished.  Mix them together.

beef and onions cooking in a panOnce onions and beef are cooked and combined, then add in the diced tomato and let cook for 5 minutes.

Next, add in pressed garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Finally, add in all remaining seasonings: paprika, Knorr beef or chicken seasoning, cumin, salt, (cayenne pepper and chili powder also for spicier flavor) and water.  Bring to a boil and mix together.  Then bring down to a simmer and allow the meat mixture to cook, until all liquids have reduced.

Now you have deliciously seasoned beef for tacos!

Tips and Suggestions

  • Be sure to drain your beef before adding onions if there is a lot of grease and you prefer a leaner final product.
  • This seasoned beef can be used for tacos, nachos or any number of your favorite flavored ground beef recipes.

 

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Beef and seasoning cooking in a pan

Beef Taco Seasoning


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  • Author: Gnarly Roots
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 5-6 1x

Description

Perfect seasoning for everyday ground beef tacos or taco bowls!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tsp Knorr beef or chicken (can use dry seasoning OR one bouillon cube)
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 2 cloves garlic, pressed
  • 1/2 onion chopped
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • **for a spicier flavor, add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper and/ or 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 Roma tomato, diced into small squares

Instructions

  1. Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet, making sure to use a wooden spoon to separate the meat.
  2. As the meat is cooking, chop the onion and the tomato.
  3. If meat is on the leaner side and not cooking off much grease:  after the meat is about halfway cooked, add in the chopped onion to sauté as the beef continues to cook.
  4. If you are using a higher fat content beef, and there is a lot of grease: cook the meat fully and then drain the grease out by pouring the beef onto a plate or bowl lined with a few layers of paper towel. Then, pat the meat to remove excess grease.  Next, sauté the onion in the pan alone and add the ground beef back to the pan when finished.  Mix them together.
  5. Once onions and beef are cooked and combined, add in the diced tomato and let cook for 5 minutes.
  6. Now add in pressed garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  7. Finally add in all remaining seasonings: paprika, Knorr beef or chicken seasoning, cumin, salt, and water.  Bring to a boil and mix together.  Then bring down to a simmer and allow the meat mixture to cook, until all liquids have reduced.
  8. Now your seasoned ground beef is ready to serve in tacos.

Notes

  • You can use 3/4 cup beef or chicken broth as a substitution for Knorr seasoning/ bouillon cube and water.
  • Use left over taco meat for nachos or on a taco salad!
  • Prep Time: 5
  • Cook Time: 15 min

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