Beef Tacos with Salsa Guacamole

My tiny apartment kitchen became taco central every Friday night during college. The smell of cumin and onions would drift down the hallway and friends would start knocking before I even finished warming the tortillas. Those makeshift taco nights taught me that homemade salsa and guacamole are non-negotiable.

Last summer my cousin visited from Spain and claimed she didnt like Mexican food. One bite of these tacos changed her mind completely. She asked for the recipe before she even finished her third taco.

Ingredients

• 500 g (1.1 lb) ground beef: Ground beef with a bit of fat keeps the filling juicy and flavorful
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps the onions soften without burning
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Sweetens as it cooks and adds depth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic beats powdered every time
• 2 tsp ground cumin: The earthy backbone of the seasoning blend
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth
• 1 tsp chili powder: Provides gentle warmth without overwhelming heat
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano: A Mexican taco essential
• 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the spices
• 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a little bite
• 2 tbsp tomato paste: Concentrates the beef flavor
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) water: Helps the spices bloom and creates a saucy consistency
• 3 medium ripe tomatoes, diced: The foundation of fresh salsa
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped: Adds sharp brightness to the salsa
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced: Adjust heat to your preference
• 1 small handful cilantro, chopped: Fresh cilantro makes the salsa sing
• Juice of 1 lime: Brightens both salsa and guacamole
• Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing flavors
• 2 ripe avocados: Should yield slightly to gentle pressure
• 1 small tomato, seeded and diced: Adds texture to guacamole
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped: Provides a little crunch
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas: Corn is more traditional but both work
• Optional toppings: Lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Mix the salsa first:

Combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let it sit while you prep everything else so the flavors meld together.

Make the guacamole:

Mash the avocados with a fork until mostly smooth with some chunks remaining. Stir in the tomato, red onion, lime juice, salt, and pepper.

Start the beef base:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped onion until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

Brown the beef:

Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue until completely browned, about 5 minutes.

Add the spices:

Stir in cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. The smell will fill your kitchen immediately.

Simmer together:

Mix in the tomato paste and water. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until thickened and deeply fragrant.

Warm the tortillas:

Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or wrap in damp paper towels and microwave for 20 seconds.

Build your tacos:

Spoon the beef into warm tortillas and top generously with salsa and guacamole. Add any optional toppings and serve with lime wedges.

Save

My daughter helped me make these for her birthday sleepover and the girls assembled their own tacos at the table. The guacamole disappeared first.

Making It Spicy

Keep the seeds in your jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne to the beef if you want more heat. A splash of hot sauce in the guacamole works too.

Switching Up The Protein

Ground turkey works beautifully with the same spice blend. Plant-based mince is also excellent and absorbs the seasonings just as well.

Perfect Pairings

A cold Mexican lager or classic margarita complements these tacos perfectly. Simple refried beans or Mexican rice round out the meal nicely.

• Squeeze fresh lime over the tacos right before eating
• Double the guacamole because it goes fast
• Warm tortillas right before serving for the best texture

Save

These tacos have become my go-to for feeding a crowd with minimal fuss. Theres something joyful about building your own perfect taco.

Recipe Q&A

→ How can I make the beef more flavorful?

Use a blend of spices like cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and oregano to season the beef, and cook it slowly to develop rich flavors.

→ What type of tortillas work best?

Corn tortillas provide an authentic touch and are gluten-free, but flour tortillas also work well for a softer wrap.

→ How do I keep the guacamole fresh?

Add fresh lime juice to slow browning and cover tightly with plastic wrap before chilling until serving.

→ Can I adjust the spiciness level?

Yes, leave the jalapeño seeds in for more heat or add cayenne pepper, or remove seeds for a milder flavor.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Crisp salads, Mexican rice, or a refreshing citrus beverage complement these flavors beautifully.