Easy Beef Tacos Fresh Salsa (Print view)

Juicy beef in warm tortillas with zesty fresh salsa and melty cheese for a vibrant Mexican meal.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Beef Filling

01 - 1 pound ground beef
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
12 - 1/4 cup water

→ Fresh Salsa

13 - 3 medium tomatoes, diced
14 - 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
15 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
16 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
17 - Juice of 1 lime
18 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Assembly

19 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
20 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
21 - 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
22 - 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
23 - Lime wedges, for serving

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and set aside to meld flavors.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
03 - Add ground beef to the skillet. Break up with a spoon and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
04 - Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release aromas.
05 - Add tomato paste and water to the skillet. Stir well and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until mixture thickens. Adjust seasoning as desired.
06 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
07 - Fill each tortilla with beef mixture. Top with fresh salsa, shredded lettuce, cheese, and sour cream if desired. Serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • One-pot meal
  • Freezer-friendly
02 -
  • For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
  • Add diced avocado or pickled onions for extra flavor.
03 -
  • Use fresh cilantro for the best salsa flavor
  • Warm tortillas before assembling for pliable tacos
Go Back