Craving that distinctive Taco Bell soft taco flavor but want to skip the drive-through? This authentic copycat recipe delivers all the nostalgic taste of America’s favorite fast-food taco right in your own kitchen. The secret lies in the perfectly balanced seasoning blend that transforms ordinary ground beef into that unmistakable Taco Bell flavor we all know and love. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you’ll be amazed how closely this homemade version matches the original.
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Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
The magic in Taco Bell’s soft tacos comes from their unique seasoning blend that includes masa harina as both a flavor enhancer and thickener. This corn flour adds authentic Mexican taste while helping the seasoned beef achieve that signature texture. The combination of multiple spices creates layers of flavor that make these tacos irresistible, while the specific cooking method ensures the beef absorbs the maximum amount of seasoning.
Ingredients
For the Seasoning Mix:
- Masa harina – Provides authentic corn flavor and helps thicken the beef mixture
- Chili powder – Adds mild heat and deep red color to the seasoning blend
- Onion powder – Contributes savory depth without texture pieces
- Garlic powder – Provides aromatic garlic flavor throughout the meat
- Seasoned salt – Enhances all flavors while adding necessary sodium balance
- Paprika – Adds color and subtle smoky sweetness
- Ground cumin – Essential for an authentic Mexican flavor profile
- Garlic salt – Doubles down on garlic flavor with added salt content
- Sugar – Balances spices and helps with browning
- Dried minced onion – Adds texture and concentrated onion flavor
- Beef bouillon powder – Intensifies the meaty flavor of the ground beef
For the Tacos:
- Ground beef chuck – Use 70% lean for optimal flavor and moisture
- Taco-size white tortillas – Soft flour tortillas that wrap perfectly
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Use finely shredded for authentic texture
- Shredded iceberg lettuce – Provides crisp texture and fresh contrast
- Roma tomatoes – Diced for Supreme version, firm and less watery
- Sour cream – Use low-fat version to match Taco Bell’s style
Instructions
Preparing the Seasoning Mix
- Combine all spices in a small bowl: masa harina, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, seasoned salt, paprika, cumin, garlic salt, sugar, dried minced onion, and beef bouillon powder.
- Stir thoroughly until all spices are well blended and evenly distributed.
- Set aside or store extra seasoning mix in an airtight container for future use.
How to Make Taco Bell Soft Taco
Here are the step-by-step instructions for the recipe:
- Place all the spices in a small bowl.
- Stir until the spices are blended well.
- Place the ground beef into a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef, stirring to crumble the beef as it is browning.
- Drain off the grease and return the beef to the skillet.
- Add the spices and water. Stir to combine.
- Simmer over on medium-low heat for 20 minutes, or until most of the moisture has cooked away.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place each tortilla in the skillet for 30 seconds on each side to warm them up.
- Remove the tortilla from the skillet and cover it with a towel to keep it warm. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
- Place seasoned ground beef, lettuce, cheese, and diced tomato on the tortilla.
- Top with sour cream if desired.
- Serve with salsa or Taco Bell taco sauce.
Tips for Prepping and Using Taco Bell Beef Filling
- Store any extra seasoning mix in an airtight container. As long as it remains dry, it should stay fresh for months. Use a quarter cup of the seasoning mix per recipe if you prepare it in bulk.
- Use the Taco Bell beef recipe with other dishes. It’s perfect inside of a quesadilla or mixed with a cheese sauce over fries. Stir in some salsa for a Mexican-style sloppy joe.
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What’s the difference in a regular soft taco and a taco supreme?
The difference in the supreme version is just two ingredients; if you order a Taco Supreme, it comes with sour cream and tomatoes. Make yours supreme by adding sour cream and some chopped tomatoes.
Love Taco Bell? Try these copycat recipes!
- Taco Bell Crunchwrap Recipe
- Taco Bell French Fries
- Taco Bell Fresco Style
- Taco Bell Frutista Freeze
- Taco Bell Nacho Fries
- Taco Bell Quesadilla Recipe
Favorite Mexican Recipes
- Chipotle Corn Salsa
- Creamy Mexican Green Sauce Recipe
- Huevos Rancheros
- Instant Pot Refried Beans
- Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas
- Taco Casserole
- White Queso Dip Recipe
Check out more of my easy Mexican food recipes and the best Taco Bell recipes here on CopyKat!
Taco Bell Soft Taco Recipe – Easy Copycat Version
Ingredients
Taco Seasoned Beef
- 1 1/2 tablespoon masa harina
- 4 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon beef bouillon powder
- 1 1/3 pounds ground beef chuck
Soft Tacos
- 12 white tortillas six to eight inches wide
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce shredded (about 3 cups)
- 2 roma tomatoes diced
- ¾ cup sour cream optional
Instructions
Taco Seasoned Beef
- Place all the ingredients except the meat in a small bowl.
- Stir the spices well to make sure the spices are blended well.
- Crumble the ground beef into a large skillet (preferably nonstick) over medium-high heat and brown the beef, stirring well.
- Transfer the browned beef to a colander to drain off the grease.
- Return the beef to the skillet.
- Add the spice mix and 3/4 to 1 cup water. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the beef mixture on medium-low heat for 20 minutes, or until most of the moisture has cooked away. Remove the skillet from heat before the meat is completely dry.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Place each tortilla in the skillet for about 30 seconds on each side to warm them up.
- Remove the tortilla from the skillet.
- Cover the tortillas with a towel to keep them warm.
Taco Assembly
- Spoon a couple tablespoons of beef on a tortilla.
- Top with lettuce, cheese, and diced tomato.
- Top with sour cream if desired.
- Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Serve immediately with your favorite taco sauce.
The raciest comment about running to the border when you want Mexican food isn’t okay funny how you thought it was something that was okay to post 😐
Run to the boarder used to be their tag line.
My kids love these! We add a little guacamole to these! So good. Can you make the fire sauce next?
were can i get masa harine? what happens if i dont have it can i use something else
You can find it in the baking aisle, you could substitute some ground-up corn chips instead of the masa harina.