Dice the onion and mince the garlic. In a small bowl, combine all the dry seasonings: chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using. Pro tip: Pre-mixing your seasonings ensures even distribution throughout the meat.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Pro tip: If using very lean ground beef, add a tablespoon of oil to the pan before cooking the onions.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Pro tip: Garlic burns quickly, so keep it moving in the pan.

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Pro tip: Don't stir too frequently at first - let the beef develop some nice browning for better flavor.

If there's excess fat in the pan, drain it off, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet. Pro tip: A little fat helps carry the flavors of the spices, so don't drain it all.

Add the spice mixture and tomato paste to the beef, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant. Pro tip: Toasting the spices briefly in the fat intensifies their flavors.

Pour in the water or broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly and the flavors meld together. Pro tip: The liquid will help the spices distribute and create a saucy consistency that clings to the meat.

While the meat finishes cooking, warm your tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side, or wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds. Pro tip: Warm tortillas are more pliable and taste much better than cold ones.

Taste the taco meat and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices as needed. Serve immediately with warm tortillas and your choice of toppings. Pro tip: Set up a taco bar with all the toppings so everyone can customize their own tacos.