Easy Beef Tacos with Fresh Salsa

To create the perfect savory beef for your tacos, begin by selecting high-quality ground beef, ideally with an 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio. This balance ensures that your tacos have a juicy texture without being too greasy.

Experience the deliciousness of homemade tacos with this easy recipe for Savory Beef Tacos paired with Zesty Fresh Salsa. Tacos are a beloved meal that brings people together, allowing for endless customization based on personal tastes. This recipe features succulent ground beef seasoned with aromatic spices, layered with fresh vegetables and a tangy salsa for a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for any occasion, these tacos can elevate your weeknight dinners and impress your guests. Discover how to create a taco night that everyone will love!

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Ingredients

For the Beef Tacos:

1 lb ground beef

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

½ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

8 small corn or flour tortillas

Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, shredded cheese, and sliced avocados

For the Fresh Salsa:

2 medium tomatoes, diced

1 small red onion, finely chopped

1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (adjust to heat preference)

1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped

Juice of 1 lime

Salt to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Fresh Salsa:

- In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced jalapeño, and cilantro.

- Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture.

- Season with salt to taste.

- Mix well and let it sit to allow flavors to meld while you prepare the beef.

Cook the Beef:

- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

- Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.

- Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

- Drain any excess fat if necessary.

- Sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the spices are evenly distributed and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Warm the Tortillas:

- While the beef is cooking, wrap the tortillas in aluminum foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or alternatively, you can heat them in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable.

Assemble the Tacos:

- For each tortilla, spoon a generous portion of the seasoned beef mixture into the center.

- Add your choice of toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, shredded cheese, and sliced avocados.

- Top with a spoonful of the fresh salsa.

Serve:

- Enjoy your tacos immediately while warm and fresh!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings