Beef Tacos Homemade Salsa (Printable)
Tender spiced beef in warm tortillas paired with fresh salsa and creamy guacamole for a flavorful Mexican meal.
# 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 - 1 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
08 - 1/2 tsp ground coriander
09 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
10 - 1/2 tsp salt
11 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
12 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
13 - 1/3 cup plus 1 tbsp beef broth or water
→ For the Homemade Salsa
14 - 3 medium ripe tomatoes, finely diced
15 - 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
16 - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
17 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - Juice of 1 lime
19 - 1/2 tsp salt
20 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ For the Guacamole
21 - 2 ripe avocados
22 - 1 small tomato, finely diced
23 - 1/4 small red onion, finely chopped
24 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
25 - Juice of 1 lime
26 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ For Serving
27 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
28 - Shredded lettuce
29 - Grated cheese (optional)
30 - Lime wedges
# Directions:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook for 5–7 minutes until fully browned. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, coriander, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add tomato paste and mix thoroughly to coat. Pour in beef broth or water, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set aside at room temperature for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
03 - Halve and pit the avocados, scooping flesh into a mixing bowl. Mash with a fork until mostly smooth with some small chunks remaining. Stir in diced tomato, chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, and lime juice. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently until just combined to maintain texture.
04 - Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Warm tortillas individually for 20–30 seconds per side until pliable and lightly toasted. Alternatively, wrap tortillas in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Keep warmed tortillas covered to prevent drying.
05 - Place warm tortillas on a serving platter. Spoon a generous portion of seasoned beef into the center of each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, fresh salsa, guacamole, and grated cheese if desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over assembled tacos.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The homemade salsa and guacamole alone will make you swear off store bought versions forever
- Everything comes together in under an hour but tastes like you spent all afternoon cooking
02 -
- The beef mixture tastes even better the next day, so do not be afraid to make it ahead
- Guacamole browns quickly, so make it right before serving or press plastic wrap directly onto the surface
03 -
- Toast your spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding them to the beef for deeper flavor
- Sprinkle a little salt on your tortillas before warming them for a restaurant style touch