Spicy Beef Tacos Salsa Verde (Printable)
Tender beef paired with zesty salsa verde and warm tortillas for a festive meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef Filling
01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 jalapeño, finely chopped, seeds removed for less heat
06 - 1 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
09 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
10 - 1/2 tsp salt
11 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
12 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
13 - 1/4 cup beef broth or water
→ Salsa Verde
14 - 10 oz tomatillos, husked and rinsed
15 - 1 small green chili (such as serrano), chopped
16 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
17 - 1 small garlic clove
18 - 1/4 small white onion
19 - Juice of 1 lime
20 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ Tacos and Garnishes
21 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
22 - 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
23 - 1/2 cup diced red onion
24 - 1 avocado, sliced
25 - Lime wedges
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine tomatillos, green chili, cilantro, garlic, onion, lime juice, and salt in a blender. Blend until completely smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside at room temperature.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in garlic and jalapeño; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until browned throughout, approximately 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
04 - Sprinkle cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper evenly over the beef. Stir in tomato paste and beef broth. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
05 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 15–20 seconds per side until pliable and lightly charred. Alternatively, microwave wrapped in damp paper towels for 30 seconds.
06 - Spoon spicy beef filling into each warm tortilla. Top generously with salsa verde, diced red onion, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The homemade salsa verde transforms everything and takes literally five minutes
- Perfect for feeding a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen
02 -
- Draining the beef fat prevents soggy tortillas and heavy tacos
- The salsa verde needs to sit for 5 minutes after blending to let flavors meld
03 -
- Make double the salsa verde and keep it in your fridge for eggs, grilled chicken, or straight-up chip dipping
- The beef filling tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it ahead