Beef Tacos Homemade Salsa (Print Version)
Savory ground beef paired with vibrant salsa and creamy guacamole on warm tortillas for a quick, flavorful meal.
# 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 - 1/3 cup beef broth or water
→ Fresh Salsa
12 - 2 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
13 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
14 - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
15 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - Juice of 1 lime
17 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Guacamole
18 - 2 ripe avocados
19 - 1 tbsp lime juice
20 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
21 - 1 small tomato, seeded and diced
22 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
23 - Salt, to taste
→ Assembly
24 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
25 - 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
26 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend (optional)
27 - Lime wedges, for serving
# How To Make:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and ground beef, breaking up meat with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Pour in beef broth (or water) and simmer for 3–4 minutes, letting flavors blend and liquid reduce slightly. Remove from heat.
02 - Combine tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
03 - In a bowl, mash avocados with lime juice until creamy but slightly chunky. Stir in cilantro, tomato, red onion, and salt. Mix gently to combine.
04 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side, or wrap in foil and warm in a low oven.
05 - Spoon beef filling onto each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, salsa, guacamole, and cheese (if using). Serve immediately with lime wedges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The homemade salsa hits that bright fresh note that jarred versions can never quite capture
- Everything comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like it took all afternoon
- People naturally gather around the platter and build their own exactly how they like them
02 -
- The beef filling needs that few minute simmer to really develop depth so do not rush this step
- Warm tortillas make or break the experience cold ones just fall apart and taste sad
- Making everything ahead works for the components but assemble right before serving
03 -
- Fry the tortillas in a little oil for restaurant style crispy shells
- Add a tablespoon of sour cream to the beef filling for extra richness