Beef Tacos Homemade Salsa Guacamole (Printable)
Seasoned beef, fresh salsa, and creamy guacamole layered in warm tortillas for a flavorful Mexican classic.
# What You Need:
→ Beef Filling
01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1 tsp chili powder
07 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1/2 tsp salt
10 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
11 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
12 - 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp water
→ Homemade Salsa
13 - 3 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
14 - 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
15 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
16 - 1/4 cup 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 chopped
21 - 1/4 small red onion, finely diced
22 - Juice of 1 lime
23 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Assembly
24 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
25 - 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
26 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
27 - Lime wedges, for serving
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
02 - Halve avocados and scoop flesh into a bowl. Mash with a fork to desired consistency. Stir in chopped tomato, diced red onion, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, approximately 2 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking apart with a spoon. Cook until completely browned, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
05 - Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir in tomato paste and water. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens.
06 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 15-20 seconds per side until warm and pliable. Alternatively, microwave in batches of 4 wrapped in damp paper towels for 30 seconds.
07 - Spoon seasoned beef filling onto each warm tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, fresh salsa, guacamole, and cheese if using. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Everything comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like you spent all day cooking
- The homemade salsa and guacamole are absolute game changers that make store bought versions seem sad
- You can customize the heat level and toppings to please everyone at your table
02 -
- The beef filling tastes even better the next day so consider making double and saving half for lunch
- Warm tortillas make or break this recipe cold tortillas just dont wrap around the filling properly
- Letting the salsa sit for at least 15 minutes transforms it from chopped vegetables to something special
03 -
- Mash your avocados with the back of a fork for rustic texture or use a molcajete for ultra smooth guacamole
- Add a tablespoon of the beef cooking liquid to your guacamole for incredible depth of flavor