Save to Pinterest Juicy, seasoned beef tucked into warm tortillas and topped with a zesty homemade salsa—these tacos are a family-friendly favorite perfect for any night of the week.
I first served this to my family and everyone loved how fresh and flavorful the combination was.
Ingredients
- For the Beef Filling: 500 g (1 lb) ground beef, 1 small onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 60 ml (1/4 cup) water
- For the Fresh Salsa: 3 medium tomatoes diced, 1/2 small red onion finely chopped, 1 jalapeño seeded and minced, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped, Juice of 1 lime, Salt and pepper to taste
- For Assembly: 8 small corn or flour tortillas, 1 cup shredded lettuce, 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream (optional), Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the fresh salsa:
- In a bowl, combine tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cook onion and garlic:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Brown the beef:
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through about 5 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season the beef:
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste and water:
- Stir well and simmer for 2 3 minutes until the mixture is thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Warm the tortillas:
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
- Assemble the tacos:
- Spoon beef filling into each tortilla. Top with fresh salsa, lettuce, shredded cheese, and sour cream if desired. Serve with lime wedges.
Save to Pinterest This recipe has become a staple at family dinners, bringing everyone together for a delicious meal.
Notes
For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Add diced avocado or pickled onions for extra flavor. Pair with a light Mexican lager or a classic margarita.
Required Tools
Large skillet, Mixing bowls, Wooden spoon or spatula, Chefs knife, Cutting board
Nutritional Information
Calories: 420, Total Fat: 24 g, Carbohydrates: 28 g, Protein: 26 g
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these easy beef tacos with fresh salsa as a quick weeknight meal that never disappoints.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of beef works best for the filling?
Ground beef with about 15-20% fat ensures juicy, flavorful filling while browning evenly.
- → Can I prepare the salsa ahead of time?
Yes, the fresh salsa can be made a few hours in advance to allow flavors to meld. Keep refrigerated until serving.
- → How do I keep the tortillas soft and pliable?
Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp cloth shortly before assembling to maintain softness.
- → What are good alternatives to beef for this dish?
Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free corn tortillas and ensure all seasonings and toppings are free from gluten-containing ingredients.