Beef Tacos Salsa Guacamole (Printable)
Seasoned beef with fresh salsa and creamy guacamole wrapped in warm tortillas, bursting with flavor.
# What You'll 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 plus 1 tbsp water
→ Fresh 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
27 - Lime wedges for serving
# Directions:
01 - Combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper, mix gently, and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
02 - Halve avocados, remove pits, and scoop flesh into a bowl. Mash with a fork to desired consistency. Fold 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 softened, about 2 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking apart with a spoon. Cook until fully browned, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
05 - Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir in tomato paste and water. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and coats the meat.
06 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 15-20 seconds per side until warm and pliable, or microwave wrapped in damp paper towels for 30 seconds.
07 - Spoon seasoned beef into warmed tortillas. Top with shredded lettuce, fresh salsa, guacamole, and cheese if desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The beef filling comes together in one skillet and tastes like it simmered for hours
- Fresh salsa and guacamole make everything feel homemade and special
- Everyone gets to build their perfect taco exactly how they like it
02 -
- The beef filling needs those 5 minutes of simmering time to come together properly
- Taste your salsa before serving jalapeños vary wildly in heat
- Warm tortillas make a huge difference in the overall taco experience
03 -
- Double the beef filling and freeze half for an even faster dinner next time
- Toast the cumin in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding it to the beef