Easy Copycat Taco Bell Soft Taco Recipe (Better Than The Original)

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.

two homemade Taco Bell soft tacos with beef, lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes

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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
Taco Bell Soft Taco Ingredients

Instructions

Preparing the Seasoning Mix

  1. 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.
  2. Stir thoroughly until all spices are well blended and evenly distributed.
  3. Set aside or store extra seasoning mix in an airtight container for future use.
two homemade Taco Bell soft tacos

How to Make Taco Bell Soft Taco

Here are the step-by-step instructions for the recipe:

  1. Place all the spices in a small bowl.
  2. Stir until the spices are blended well.
    seasoning mix for Taco Bell ground beef
  3. 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.
  4. Drain off the grease and return the beef to the skillet.
    browned ground beef crumbles in a skillet
  5. Add the spices and water. Stir to combine.
    browned ground beef and Taco Bell seasoning mix in a skillet
  6. Simmer over on medium-low heat for 20 minutes, or until most of the moisture has cooked away.
  7. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  8. Place each tortilla in the skillet for 30 seconds on each side to warm them up.
    tortilla in a pan
  9. Remove the tortilla from the skillet and cover it with a towel to keep it warm. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
  10. Place seasoned ground beef, lettuce, cheese, and diced tomato on the tortilla.
    ground beef, lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes on a tortilla
  11. Top with sour cream if desired.
  12. 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.

two homemade Taco Bell soft tacos and shredded lettuce in a small bowl

Love Taco Bell? Try these copycat recipes!

Favorite Mexican Recipes

Check out more of my easy Mexican food recipes and the best Taco Bell recipes here on CopyKat!

two homemade Taco Bell soft tacos with beef, lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes

Taco Bell Soft Taco Recipe – Easy Copycat Version

Make authentic Taco Bell soft tacos at home! Perfectly seasoned ground beef, fresh toppings, and warm tortillas create restaurant-quality tacos.
5 from 5 votes
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Soft Taco, Taco Bell Soft Taco
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 265kcal

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.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 265kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 346mg | Potassium: 300mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 650IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 125mg | Iron: 2mg

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

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Comments

  1. Jenny

    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 😐

5 from 5 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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