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taco bell seasoning recipe

Taco Bell Seasoning Recipe

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Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1.5 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 0.25 cup water
  • 1 lb ground beef

Method
 

  1. Whisk together the 2 tbsp chili powder, 1.5 tsp cumin, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 0.5 tsp oregano, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp cayenne in a small bowl until the color is even throughout.
  2. Cook the 1 lb ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 7 to 8 minutes, breaking it apart, until no pink remains. Drain most of the fat.
  3. Add the full spice blend and the 0.25 cup water to the beef. Stir to coat, then simmer on medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until the water absorbs and the meat looks glossy.
  4. Spoon into taco shells, top with cheese, lettuce, and sour cream, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime.

Notes

The dry spice blend can be mixed up to 3 months ahead and stored in a jar, so it is worth making a double batch while you have everything out. If your chili powder brand runs salty, taste the meat at the end of the simmer before adding any extra salt. The 0.25 cup of water is a small step that makes a real difference in how the finished meat tastes, so do not skip it.