Spicy Beef Tacos Flavorful (Printable)

A vibrant dish featuring seasoned beef, fresh veggies, cheese, and avocado in warm tortillas.

# What You Need:

→ Beef Filling

01 - 1.1 lbs ground beef
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 jalapeño, finely diced, seeds removed
05 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
06 - 2 tsp chili powder
07 - 1 tsp ground cumin
08 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
10 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
11 - 1/2 tsp salt
12 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
13 - 1/2 cup beef stock or water
14 - 1 tbsp vegetable oil

→ Tacos & Toppings

15 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
16 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
17 - 1 cup diced cherry tomatoes
18 - 3/4 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
19 - 1/4 cup sour cream
20 - 1 ripe avocado, sliced
21 - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
22 - Lime wedges to serve

# How To Cook:

01 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and jalapeño; sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
02 - Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
03 - Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until no longer pink.
04 - Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release aromas.
05 - Pour in beef stock or water and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
06 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable and warm.
07 - Fill each tortilla with spicy beef mixture. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, and cilantro leaves.
08 - Serve tacos immediately accompanied by lime wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Everything comes together in about half an hour, so its perfect when youre starving and dont want to wait.
  • The spice blend creates layers of flavor that taste way more complex than the effort required.
  • You can dial the heat up or down depending on whos eating, making it a crowd pleaser every time.
02 -
  • Dont skip toasting the spices in the pan, that one extra minute makes them smell fragrant and taste so much richer.
  • If your filling looks too dry, add a splash more stock or water, the sauce should coat the beef without pooling in the bottom of the skillet.
  • Warming the tortillas is not optional, cold tortillas tear and ruin the whole experience.
03 -
  • Let the beef brown without stirring too much at first, those crispy caramelized bits add serious depth.
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat beautifully and gives the beef an even sear.
  • Taste the filling before assembling and adjust the salt or spice if needed, its your last chance to get it just right.

Go Back