Beef Tacos with Salsa Guacamole (Print Version)
Seasoned beef in tortillas topped with fresh salsa and creamy guacamole bursting with bold flavors.
# What You Need:
→ For the Beef
01 - 1.1 lb ground beef
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1 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 - 1/4 cup water
→ For the Salsa
13 - 3 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
14 - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
15 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
16 - 1 small handful cilantro, chopped
17 - Juice of 1 lime
18 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ For the 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
→ To Serve
24 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
25 - Shredded lettuce (optional)
26 - Grated cheese (optional)
27 - Sour cream (optional)
28 - Lime wedges
# How To Make:
01 - In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside for flavors to meld.
02 - In another bowl, mash avocados with a fork. Stir in tomato, red onion, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Cover and chill.
03 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
04 - Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
05 - Stir in cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix in tomato paste and water. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
06 - Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
07 - Spoon beef into tortillas. Top with salsa and guacamole. Add lettuce, cheese, and sour cream if desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The beef filling gets deeply flavorful from a blend of spices that mimics street tacos
- Everything comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day
- The homemade salsa and guacamole elevate this far beyond takeout
02 -
- Letting the beef filling rest for a few minutes off the heat helps the flavors settle
- Warm tortillas prevent cracking and make assembly so much easier
- The salsa tastes best after sitting for at least 15 minutes
03 -
- Buy avocados a few days ahead and let them ripen on the counter
- Corn tortillas taste best when lightly charred in a dry skillet