Beef Tacos Salsa Guacamole (Printable)
Juicy beef in tortillas with fresh salsa and creamy guacamole. A colorful and flavorful Mexican classic.
# What You Need:
→ Seasoned Beef
01 - 1 pound ground beef
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1 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 - 1/4 cup water
→ Fresh Salsa
13 - 3 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
14 - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
15 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
16 - 1 small handful fresh cilantro, chopped
17 - Juice of 1 lime
18 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Creamy Guacamole
19 - 2 ripe avocados
20 - 1 small tomato, seeded and diced
21 - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
22 - Juice of 1 lime
23 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Assembly
24 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
25 - Shredded lettuce (optional)
26 - Grated cheese (optional)
27 - Sour cream (optional)
28 - Lime wedges for serving
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
02 - Mash avocados with a fork until mostly smooth with some chunks remaining. Fold in tomato, red onion, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
03 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until evenly browned and no pink remains.
05 - Stir in cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add tomato paste and water, mixing well. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
06 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 30 seconds per side, or wrap in a damp towel and microwave for 30 seconds until pliable.
07 - Spoon seasoned beef into warm tortillas. Top with salsa and guacamole. Add lettuce, cheese, and sour cream if desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The salsa gets better while you cook, so timing actually works in your favor for once.
- Everything comes together in one pan plus two bowls, meaning cleanup feels almost suspiciously easy.
02 -
- Guacamole exposed to air turns brown within minutes; press plastic wrap directly onto the surface, not just over the bowl.
- Over-stirring ground beef breaks it into crumbs instead of satisfying chunks; let it sear, then break gently.
03 -
- Save a spoonful of salsa juice and drizzle it over the beef just before serving for brightness that cuts through richness.
- Double the spice mix and store it in a jar; next time you skip measuring entirely and cook by smell.