Beef Tacos Homemade Salsa (Print Version)
Tender spiced beef in tortillas with fresh salsa and creamy guacamole for vibrant flavors.
# What You Need:
→ Beef Filling
01 - 1.1 lb ground beef
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tbsp olive oil
05 - 1 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
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 water
→ Fresh Salsa
13 - 3 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
14 - 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
15 - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
16 - 2 tbsp 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
→ For Serving
24 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
25 - Shredded lettuce
26 - Grated cheddar or crumbled cotija cheese (optional)
27 - Lime wedges
# How To Make:
01 - Combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
02 - Mash avocados in a bowl until mostly smooth with some chunks remaining. Stir in diced tomato, red onion, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Combine well and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until completely browned, approximately 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
05 - 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 the mixture thickens and flavors develop. Adjust seasoning if needed.
06 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until warm and pliable. Keep wrapped in a clean towel to maintain temperature.
07 - Spoon seasoned beef mixture onto warm tortillas. Top with fresh salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce, and cheese if using. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The homemade salsa tastes brighter than anything from a jar
- Everything comes together in under 45 minutes
- Everyone can customize their own perfect bite
02 -
- The beef filling tastes even better after sitting for a day
- Warm tortillas make or break the whole experience
- Guacamole browns quickly so make it right before serving
03 -
- Taste the beef filling before serving and adjust salt
- The guacamole benefits from a pinch of cumin too