Easy Beef Tacos with Fresh Salsa

The tortilla is the foundation of any taco, playing a crucial role in how the flavors and textures of the fillings come together. Whether you choose corn or flour, the tortilla should complement the savory beef and vibrant salsa, creating a harmonious balance of taste.

Easy Beef Tacos with Fresh Salsa

Embark on a flavorful journey with these savory beef tacos topped with zesty fresh salsa. This recipe celebrates the joy of tacos as a culinary canvas, combining seasoned ground beef, warm tortillas, and a vibrant, refreshing salsa made from fresh ingredients. With simple preparation and high-quality components, you can create a delicious meal that rivals your favorite taqueria. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, these tacos promise to satisfy and impress!

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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 smoked paprika (for a bolder flavor)

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

8 small corn or flour tortillas

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

For the Fresh Salsa:

2 medium ripe tomatoes, diced

1 small red onion, finely chopped

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

1 tablespoon fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Juice of 1 lime

Salt to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Fresh Salsa:

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

- Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture and add salt to taste.

- Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Set aside to marinate and enhance the flavors while you prepare the beef.

Cook the Beef:

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

- Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

- Add the minced garlic, stirring continuously for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant.

- Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is well browned and no longer pink.

- If there is excess fat, carefully drain it from the skillet.

- Sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to infuse the beef.

Warm the Tortillas:

- While the beef is cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the tortillas in aluminum foil and place them in the oven for about 10 minutes to warm through.

- Alternatively, for quicker warming, heat a dry skillet over medium heat and warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until they are soft and pliable.

Assemble the Tacos:

- Take each warmed tortilla and spoon a generous portion of the seasoned beef mixture into the center.

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

- To finish, top each taco with a hearty spoonful of the fresh salsa you prepared earlier.

Serve:

- Serve the tacos immediately while they're warm and fresh, accompanied by extra lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick!

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

Presentation Tips: Serve the tacos on a colorful platter, garnished with chopped cilantro and lime wedges for added color and freshness. Consider serving with tortilla chips and additional salsa on the side for a festive touch!