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!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

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
• 0 Hot sauce (optional)
• 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro (optional, roughly chopped)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Once the meat is browned, reduce the heat to low and stir in the taco seasoning blend.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade, better-than-a-packet tacos!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1373.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2684.4

Total Fat 177.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 81.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 540.4mg	0%
Sodium 3786.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 155.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.6g	0%
Total Sugars 18.7g
Protein 130.3g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 1360.8mg	0%
Iron 22.0mg	0%
Potassium 2619.1mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.3%

Protein: 19.0%

Carbs: 22.7%