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Easy Taco Tuesday Recipe
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Taco Tuesday Night: Build-Your-Own Tacos

Easy build-your-own taco Tuesday recipe with homemade seasoning, quick pickled onions, and a toppings bar the whole family loves. No complaints at this table.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword ground beef, homemade seasoning, tacos
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Author Maggie

Ingredients

Taco Meat

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced fine
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup beef broth

Homemade Taco Seasoning

  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 pinch brown sugar

Toppings Bar

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced
  • 3 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded
  • 2 limes, cut into wedges

Quick Pickled Red Onions

  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup lime juice about 2 limes
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions

  1. Mix all taco seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Thinly slice red onion, toss with lime juice, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside 15 minutes.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook diced onion 3 minutes until soft. Add garlic, cook 30 seconds.
  3. Add ground beef in chunks. Let brown without stirring for 1 minute, then break up and cook 5-6 minutes until cooked through.
  4. Add tomato paste, stir 1 minute. Add all homemade seasoning, stir to coat. Toast 30 seconds.
  5. Pour in beef broth and a splash of water. Simmer 5 minutes until glossy and reduced. Taste and adjust salt.
  6. Warm tortillas in a cast iron skillet or wrapped in damp towel and microwaved. Set out all toppings. Let everyone build their own tacos.

Recipe Notes

Don't skip the tomato paste — it's pure umami. The pinch of brown sugar balances the spices. Quick pickled onions turn pink and add brightness. Let everyone build their own — that's the whole point.