Beef Tacos with Salsa (Printable)
Spiced beef paired with fresh salsa and creamy guacamole on warm tortillas for a vibrant dish.
# What You Need:
→ Beef Filling
01 - 1.1 pounds ground beef
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
12 - 1/3 cup water
→ Salsa
13 - 3 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
14 - 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
15 - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
17 - Juice of 1 lime
18 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Guacamole
19 - 2 ripe avocados
20 - 1 small tomato, seeded and diced
21 - 1/4 small red onion, finely chopped
22 - Juice of 1/2 lime
23 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ To Serve
24 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
25 - Shredded lettuce
26 - Grated cheddar or crumbled cotija cheese (optional)
27 - Lime wedges
# How to Make It:
01 - In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
02 - In another bowl, mash avocados until mostly smooth. Stir in tomato, red onion, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix to combine and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
04 - Add cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir in tomato paste and water. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened and flavorful. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
05 - Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Keep wrapped in a clean towel.
06 - Spoon beef mixture onto tortillas. Top with salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce, and cheese if desired. Serve with lime wedges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The beef filling comes together faster than delivery and tastes infinitely better
- Everything can be prepped ahead so you are not stuck in the kitchen during the party
- The homemade salsa and guacamole transform these into something people actually talk about
02 -
- Draining the beef after browning prevents soggy tacos and lets the spices shine
- Letting the beef mixture simmer for the full time concentrates the flavor and creates a coating texture
- Warm tortillas are non negotiable for authenticity and prevents cracking when you fold them
03 -
- Mash half the avocado completely then leave small chunks for the best texture
- Taste the beef mixture before serving and add more chili powder if you want extra heat