Beef Tacos Soft Tortillas (Printable)
Seasoned ground beef in warm tortillas topped with zesty fresh salsa.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef Filling
01 - 1.1 lbs ground beef
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tbsp olive oil
05 - 1 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1 tsp chili powder
07 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1/2 tsp salt
10 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
11 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
12 - 1/4 cup water
→ Fresh Salsa
13 - 3 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
14 - 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
15 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
16 - 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
17 - Juice of 1 lime
18 - 1/2 tsp salt
19 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ For Serving
20 - 8 small soft flour tortillas (6 inches)
21 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
22 - 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
23 - 1 ripe avocado, sliced
24 - Lime wedges
# How To Make It:
01 - Combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and let rest for flavors to meld.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
03 - Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until fully browned, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat as needed.
04 - Incorporate ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir in tomato paste and water, mix well, then simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened.
05 - Wrap tortillas in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes, or microwave covered with a damp towel for 30 seconds.
06 - Divide beef mixture among tortillas. Top each with fresh salsa, shredded lettuce, cheese, and avocado slices. Serve with lime wedges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The beef stays tender and flavorful without being fussy—no long simmer required.
- Fresh salsa made while the beef cooks means everything comes together at exactly the right moment.
- Soft tortillas and simple toppings let the seasoned beef shine instead of competing with it.
02 -
- Don't skip draining the excess fat after browning the beef—too much grease makes the filling feel heavy and separates from the tortillas.
- If your tomatoes are mealy or flavorless, the fresh salsa will suffer; this is one place where quality matters, so use the best tomatoes you can find.
- Warm tortillas are non-negotiable; they're the difference between a taco that holds together and one that falls apart in your hands.
03 -
- Cook your onions and garlic slowly enough that they soften without browning; this creates sweetness that balances the spices.
- Taste the beef filling before assembling and adjust the salt—it should taste slightly more flavorful than you'd eat on its own, since the tortilla and other toppings dilute the intensity.