Beef Tacos with Salsa Guacamole (Print Version)
Juicy seasoned beef in warm tortillas with fresh tomato salsa and creamy avocado guacamole toppings for a 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 - 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:
01 - Combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix gently and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
02 - Scoop avocado flesh into a bowl and mash with a fork to desired consistency. Stir in chopped tomato, red onion, lime juice, salt, and pepper until just combined. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 2 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir in tomato paste and water. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
05 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side or microwave in batches until warm and pliable.
06 - Spoon seasoned beef filling onto each warm tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, fresh salsa, guacamole, and cheese if desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The homemade salsa transforms everything—once you taste that fresh, vibrant kick against the rich beef, store-bought salsa just wont cut it anymore
- Everything comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like you spent all day cooking
- The beef filling freezes beautifully, so you can double the batch and have taco night ready whenever the craving strikes
02 -
- The beef filling needs those few minutes of simmering time—rushing this step leaves you with crumbly meat instead of a cohesive, flavorful filling
- Warm tortillas are non-negotiable—cold tortillas crack and fall apart, taking the whole taco down with them
03 -
- Toast your spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding them to the beef—this step alone transforms the flavor from average to outstanding
- Use the back of a spoon to gently mash some of the beef against the side of the pan while cooking, creating those crispy little bits everyone fights over