Spicy Beef Tacos Guacamole (Printable)
Bold spiced beef and creamy guacamole layered in warm tortillas for lively dining.
# What You'll Need:
→ Spicy Beef
01 - 1.1 lb ground beef
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tbsp olive oil
05 - 2 tsp chili powder
06 - 1 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 tsp ground coriander
09 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
10 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
11 - 1/2 tsp salt
12 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
13 - 1/3 cup beef or chicken broth
14 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
→ Guacamole
15 - 2 ripe avocados
16 - 1 small tomato, deseeded and diced
17 - 1/4 small red onion, finely chopped
18 - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
19 - Juice of 1 lime
20 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
21 - 1/4 tsp salt
22 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ To Serve
23 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
24 - Shredded lettuce
25 - Diced tomatoes
26 - Grated cheddar or crumbled queso fresco
27 - Fresh cilantro leaves
28 - Lime wedges
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chopped onion for 2 to 3 minutes until softened, then add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
02 - Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Incorporate chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in tomato paste, mixing thoroughly. Pour in broth and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Keep warm.
05 - Halve and pit the avocados, scoop the flesh into a bowl, and mash to desired consistency. Gently fold in diced tomato, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and black pepper.
06 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable and warm.
07 - Spoon the spicy beef onto each tortilla. Top with guacamole, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, fresh cilantro leaves, and a squeeze of lime.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- These tacos come together in under 40 minutes, making them perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something that tastes like you spent hours cooking.
- The homemade guacamole is smooth and creamy with just enough lime and cilantro to feel fresh, and honestly, it elevates everything about the meal.
- You get that wonderful combination of spicy, cool, and crunchy textures in every bite—it's the kind of dish that satisfies both cravings and busy schedules.
02 -
- Never let the spices burn; the moment you add them, keep stirring because even 30 seconds too long on high heat can make them taste bitter instead of beautiful.
- Avocados are timing-sensitive—if you're making these tacos ahead of time, prepare the guacamole no more than 2 hours before serving, and press plastic wrap directly onto its surface to minimize browning.
- If your beef filling seems too thick after simmering, add a splash more broth; if it's too thin, let it cook a bit longer—this texture control is what separates homemade from mediocre.
03 -
- Always brown your ground beef in a hot skillet before adding the aromatics; you'll get better color and deeper flavor than if you cook everything together from the start.
- The secret to guacamole that tastes restaurant-quality is using perfectly ripe avocados and not over-mixing them—treat them like you're folding in beaten egg whites, with gentleness and respect.