Beef Tacos with Salsa Guacamole (Printable)
Juicy spiced beef nestled in tortillas with fresh salsa and creamy guacamole for a flavorful Mexican meal.
# What You'll 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
→ Taco Assembly
24 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
25 - Shredded lettuce
26 - Grated cheddar or crumbled cotija cheese
27 - Lime wedges
# Directions:
01 - Combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice in a mixing bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper, mix thoroughly, and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
02 - Mash avocados in a separate bowl until mostly smooth with slight texture remaining. Fold in diced tomato, red onion, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn.
04 - Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until completely browned throughout, approximately 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
05 - Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add tomato paste and water, mixing well to incorporate. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens and flavors intensify. Adjust seasoning to preference.
06 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 30 seconds per side until warm and pliable, or microwave in batches. Keep wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to maintain warmth.
07 - Spoon generous portions of seasoned beef into the center of each warm tortilla. Top with fresh salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce, and cheese if desired. Garnish with lime wedges and serve immediately while tortillas remain warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The homemade salsa comes together in minutes but tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen
- Everything hits the table warm and ready for everyone to customize their own perfect bite
- The beef filling freezes beautifully so you can double it and have taco Tuesday ready for next week
02 -
- The beef filling needs time to simmer and thicken, rushing this step will make watery tacos that fall apart
- Warm tortillas are non-negotiable, cold corn tortillas crack and fall apart the second you try to fold them
- Salt the avocado generously, under-seasoned guacamole tastes bland no matter how fresh the avocados are
03 -
- Buy avocados a few days ahead and let them ripen on the counter, rock hard avocados never mash properly
- Make extra salsa and serve it with tortilla chips, people always ask for more