Salt-Free Build-Your-Own Beef Tacos
Warm tortillas, savory homemade taco-seasoned beef, fresh pico de gallo, creamy avocado, crisp lettuce and lime make an easy taco night without relying on packaged seasoning or added salt.
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Homemade taco seasoning gives the beef plenty of flavor without a high- sodium seasoning packet.
Cumin, smoked paprika, garlic, onion and salt-free chili powder create a warm, savory spice blend.
Fresh lime brightens the seasoned beef and the finished tacos.
Everyone can choose their own toppings and build dinner exactly the way they like it.
The filling comes together quickly enough for an easy weeknight dinner.
The same ingredients work for tacos, taco bowls or taco salads.
Ingredients
For the Seasoned Beef
1 pound lean ground beef
2 teaspoons salt-free chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
⅓ cup water
Juice of ½ lime
For Serving
8 lower-sodium corn tortillas
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup homemade pico de gallo or diced fresh tomatoes
1 avocado, sliced or mashed
½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, optional
Fresh cilantro
Lime wedges
Sliced fresh jalapeño, optional
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Add the Seasonings
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the salt-free chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds, allowing the spices to warm and become fragrant.
3. Finish the Taco Filling
Pour in the water and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the beef is evenly coated with the seasonings. Remove from the heat and stir in the fresh lime juice.
4. Prepare the Toppings
While the beef cooks, shred the lettuce, prepare the pico de gallo or tomatoes, slice or mash the avocado, chop the cilantro and cut the limes into wedges. Place the toppings in individual serving bowls.
5. Warm the Tortillas
Heat the tortillas one at a time in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 20–30 seconds per side, until warm and flexible. Keep the warmed tortillas covered until ready to serve.
6. Build and Serve
Transfer the seasoned beef to a serving bowl and place it on the table with the warm tortillas and prepared toppings. Let everyone assemble their own tacos, finishing each one with fresh lime juice as desired.
Cook’s Notes
Check the chili powder carefully. Chili powder blends vary by brand and some contain added salt. Choose one specifically labeled salt-free or check the ingredient list before using.
Compare tortilla labels. Sodium can vary considerably among tortillas. Choose the lowest-sodium option that works for your needs rather than assuming all corn tortillas are alike.
For even more fresh flavor, make the pico de gallo with fresh tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeño and lime instead of using prepared salsa.
Plain Greek yogurt makes a creamy alternative to sour cream and can be flavored with a squeeze of lime or a little ground cumin.
For taco bowls, skip the tortillas and serve the seasoned beef and toppings over rice or shredded lettuce.
Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef. Because they are leaner, add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet if needed.
Make Ahead
The seasoned beef can be prepared up to 3 days ahead. Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container.
Pico de gallo can also be prepared ahead and refrigerated separately. For the freshest texture and color, prepare the avocado just before serving.
Reheat the beef gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a tablespoon or two of water if necessary, then warm the tortillas and assemble the toppings just before dinner.
Storage
Store leftover seasoned beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keep the tortillas and individual toppings separate so they retain their texture. Refrigerate perishable toppings such as pico de gallo, avocado and Greek yogurt promptly.
The cooked beef can also be frozen in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
Complete the Meal
Serve these build-your-own tacos with Orange, Fennel and Avocado Salad for a crisp, citrusy side that complements the warm spices and fresh lime in the tacos. For something simple and refreshing, add Fresh Fruit Salad to the table.
For a larger taco-night spread, serve the same seasoned beef and toppings over rice or lettuce so guests can choose between tacos, taco bowls and taco salads.