Sweet and Spicy Mexican Beef Seasoning
Easy sweet and spicy beef seasoning for tacos, burritos, nachos. Tips on amounts, swaps, storage, and reheating.
We use this all the time! We love it so much it's our favorite taco, burrito, or nacho seasoning. I can't keep it mixed up!
Submitted by: Megan from Gaithersburg, Maryland
Yield: 4+
- Mix the spices and add 2 to 4 tablespoons of the seasoning mix per pound of ground beef while browning for best flavor.
- Finish with 3 tablespoons tomato paste and a short simmer to bind flavors; add corn, beans, or fresh tomatoes for extra sweetness and texture.
- Adjust heat with cayenne, tweak sweetness with brown sugar, and store the dry mix or cooked meat for easy meal prep.
Preparation Instructions:
1. Mix spices together.
2. Brown ground beef, add 2-4 T spices & sugar *while* browning. If using fresh onion, cook it with the browning meat.
3. Drain meat if needed (don't worry about losing the spices, the meat already soaked them in).
4. Add tomato paste & simmer for 5 or so more minutes.
5. For added flavor add fresh tomatoes, corn, beans or any veggies you like.
6. Serve as tacos, taco salad, roll into burritos, top chips for nachos, use straight as dip...use your imagination!
7. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, etc as you like.
thespicehouse.com
More About This Recipe
Canned or frozen corn adds an additional sweetness. Mixing it with refried beans makes a nice dip or burrito filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of the seasoning mix should I use per pound of ground beef?
Use 2 to 4 tablespoons of the blended spice mix per pound of ground beef. Start with 2 tablespoons, taste after adding tomato paste and simmering, then add more if you want stronger flavor.
Can I make the spice mix ahead and store it?
Yes. Combine the dry spices and keep them in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place for up to 4 to 6 months. Label with the date and shake before using.
What if I want less heat or less sweetness?
To reduce heat, cut the cayenne pepper or leave it out. To lower sweetness, use the smaller amount of brown sugar or skip it entirely. You can always add a pinch of sugar later if needed.
How do I swap fresh onion for dried onion?
The recipe uses about 4 tablespoons dried minced onion, which equals roughly half a medium fresh onion. If using fresh, chop and cook it with the beef while browning.
Can I use this seasoning on proteins other than ground beef?
Yes. It works well with ground turkey, chicken, pork, firm tofu, or seasoned beans. For very lean proteins like turkey, add a little oil when cooking to help carry the spices.
Do I have to use tomato paste? What are substitutions?
Tomato paste adds body and a concentrated tomato flavor. If you do not have it, use 2 to 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce, a few spoonfuls of crushed tomatoes, or a splash of ketchup. Simmer a few minutes to thicken and blend flavors.
How long will cooked seasoned beef keep, and can I freeze it?
Store cooked beef in the fridge for 3 to 4 days in a sealed container. Freeze in meal-sized portions for 2 to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat until piping hot.
What can I use instead of lemon pepper?
Substitute lemon pepper with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon black pepper plus a pinch of lemon zest or 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice added near the end of cooking. You can also omit it if you prefer.
How much of the seasoning mix should I use per pound of ground beef?
Use 2 to 4 tablespoons of the blended spice mix per pound of ground beef. Start with 2 tablespoons, taste after adding tomato paste and simmering, then add more if you want stronger flavor.
Can I make the spice mix ahead and store it?
Yes. Combine the dry spices and keep them in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place for up to 4 to 6 months. Label with the date and shake before using.
What if I want less heat or less sweetness?
To reduce heat, cut the cayenne pepper or leave it out. To lower sweetness, use the smaller amount of brown sugar or skip it entirely. You can always add a pinch of sugar later if needed.
How do I swap fresh onion for dried onion?
The recipe uses about 4 tablespoons dried minced onion, which equals roughly half a medium fresh onion. If using fresh, chop and cook it with the beef while browning.
Can I use this seasoning on proteins other than ground beef?
Yes. It works well with ground turkey, chicken, pork, firm tofu, or seasoned beans. For very lean proteins like turkey, add a little oil when cooking to help carry the spices.
Do I have to use tomato paste? What are substitutions?
Tomato paste adds body and a concentrated tomato flavor. If you do not have it, use 2 to 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce, a few spoonfuls of crushed tomatoes, or a splash of ketchup. Simmer a few minutes to thicken and blend flavors.
How long will cooked seasoned beef keep, and can I freeze it?
Store cooked beef in the fridge for 3 to 4 days in a sealed container. Freeze in meal-sized portions for 2 to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat until piping hot.
What can I use instead of lemon pepper?
Substitute lemon pepper with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon black pepper plus a pinch of lemon zest or 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice added near the end of cooking. You can also omit it if you prefer.
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