Name: Ground Beef Tacos with Homemade Seasoning and Salsa Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 cup diced yellow onion; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro; 1/2 cup salsa; 8 corn tortillas; Cheese; Lettuce; Tomatoes; Red onion; Avocado

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 44 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor, warmth, and a little bit of zest, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite: the Ground Beef Tacos with Homemade Seasoning and Salsa Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of juicy, seasoned beef paired with a fresh, tangy salsa that brings out the best in every bite. Whether you’re whipping these up for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining friends, this recipe guarantees a satisfying and tasty taco experience that feels just like a fiesta on your plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black skillet filled with cooked, crumbled ground beef mixed with small pieces of cooked onions as the base layer, spread evenly across the pan. On top, there are three distinct piles: a heap of reddish-brown taco seasoning powder in the center-left, a scoop of chunky green salsa next to it on the upper right, and a small pile of fresh, roughly chopped green cilantro leaves placed on the bottom right. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Ground Beef Tacos with Homemade Seasoning and Salsa Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s layering the smokiness, balancing textures, or adding vibrant colors that make your tacos pop.

1 pound lean ground beef: The hearty base that holds all the flavors together with a rich, juicy texture.
1/2 cup diced yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and crunch that perfectly complements the beef.
1 tablespoon chili powder: Key for that spicy kick and authentic taco flavor.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings earthiness, deepening the overall seasoning profile.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Offers a beautiful smoky aroma without needing a grill.
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors; adjust according to your taste.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Simple yet essential for a gentle garlic undertone.
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro: Adds fresh herbaceous notes that brighten the dish.
1/2 cup salsa: Your favorite jarred salsa acts as a tangy, juicy addition, boosting both moisture and taste.
8 corn tortillas: The perfect vehicle for scooping up the savory beef and toppings.
Cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, avocado for toppings: Bring on the variety and freshness to customize each taco just how you love it.

How to Make Ground Beef Tacos with Homemade Seasoning and Salsa Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat with a touch of olive oil. Add the ground beef and crumble it immediately, then throw in the diced yellow onion. Allow it to cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to develop that lovely brown crust—this step is crucial because that caramelization builds a ton of flavor. Once the beef is mostly cooked and the onions have softened, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 2: Add the Homemade Seasoning and Cilantro

Lower the heat to medium-low and sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Add the chopped cilantro and mix it all thoroughly so every morsel of beef is kissed by this flavorful blend. At this point, the aroma that fills your kitchen will tell you you’re on the right track.

Step 3: Stir in Salsa and Simmer

Pour in your favorite salsa—this adds moisture and a zesty punch that ties the whole dish together. If the mixture seems a bit dry, stir in one or two tablespoons of water. Let everything simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors marry beautifully. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

While the beef mixture simmers, warm your corn tortillas on a dry skillet or in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel. Warm tortillas are flexible and hold the filling better, unlocking the true taco experience.

Step 5: Assemble Your Delicious Tacos

Now for the best part: assembling your tacos! Spoon the juicy beef mixture into each tortilla, and pile on your favorite toppings to create an explosion of flavors and textures in each bite.

How to Serve Ground Beef Tacos with Homemade Seasoning and Salsa Recipe

The image shows two soft tacos on a white plate with a white marbled surface under it. Each taco has one soft, slightly charred light beige tortilla forming the base. The first layer inside the tortilla is a generous amount of brown cooked ground meat mixed with small bits of onion and seasoning, giving a textured and crumbly look. On top of the meat, there are thin strips of yellow and white shredded cheese scattered over both tacos. Small pieces of bright red cherry tomato are placed on and around the meat and cheese, adding a fresh, juicy detail. Green cilantro leaves are visible in small amounts, adding a pop of color. A bit of green salsa is dolloped on top of the meat in both tacos, creating a contrast in color and texture. The edges of the tortillas are folded slightly inward. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The joy of this recipe is all in the personal touches, so don’t hesitate to use fresh garnishes that elevate your tacos. Crisp shredded lettuce, diced ripe tomatoes, sliced red onions, creamy avocado, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese add freshness and contrast to the warm, spiced beef. A squeeze of lime juice or a dollop of sour cream takes these tacos to another level.

Side Dishes

Complement your Ground Beef Tacos with Homemade Seasoning and Salsa Recipe by serving side dishes like Mexican street corn, a simple black bean salad, or cilantro-lime rice. These sides bring additional layers of taste and texture, making your meal well-rounded and memorable.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling fancy? Turn these tacos into a fun taco bar, where everyone builds their own with an array of toppings and salsas. For a casual dinner, serve the meat over a crisp salad and call it a taco bowl—just as flavorful but with a low-carb twist. Small tostadas or baked tortilla chips topped with the seasoned beef can be exciting appetizers too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover seasoned beef, keep it fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. This makes for an easy, flavor-packed lunch or dinner that reheats beautifully.

Freezing

This Ground Beef Tacos with Homemade Seasoning and Salsa Recipe also freezes well. Pop any extra cooked beef mixture into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently for a quick taco fix.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover beef in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. Microwaving is also fine for convenience; just cover loosely to keep moisture locked in. Warm tortillas freshly or skip reheating them to keep their texture perfect.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for this Ground Beef Tacos with Homemade Seasoning and Salsa Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives work wonderfully if you want to mix things up or accommodate dietary preferences.

Is fresh salsa better than jarred for this recipe?

Fresh salsa offers brightness and crispness, but using your favorite jarred salsa is a fantastic shortcut that still brings excellent flavor and helps keep things super simple.

How spicy are these tacos?

The level of heat depends mostly on your choice of salsa and chili powder. You can easily adjust the spice by selecting mild or hot chili powder and salsa varieties.

Can I make the seasoning mix in advance?

Yes! Mixing your chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt ahead of time multitasks your prep and speeds up the cooking process.

What’s the best way to warm tortillas without drying them out?

Wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm them on a dry skillet over medium heat, flipping often to keep them soft and pliable.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Tacos with Homemade Seasoning and Salsa Recipe is a total winner that’s just as fun to make as it is delicious to eat. Its balanced flavors, ease of preparation, and customizability make it a staple you’ll want to keep in your cooking repertoire. Gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and get ready to savor every bite of these vibrant, comforting tacos!