Spicy Beef Tacos Salsa Verde (Printable)
Tender spicy beef in warm tortillas with zesty salsa verde and fresh garnishes for a vibrant 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 (remove seeds 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 (e.g., 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 & Garnishes
21 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas (gluten-free if needed)
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 smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and jalapeño; cook for 1 minute.
03 - Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (about 5–6 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
04 - Sprinkle cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir in tomato paste and beef broth. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
05 - Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
06 - Spoon spicy beef into each tortilla. Top with salsa verde, red onion, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The homemade salsa verde is a total game changer, bringing restaurant quality brightness right to your own kitchen
- This beef filling hits that perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory without overwhelming your palate
- Everything comes together in under an hour but tastes like you spent all afternoon cooking
02 -
- Warm tortillas make or break these tacos—cold tortillas crack and fall apart, ruining the whole experience
- Letting the beef mixture rest for even 5 minutes off the heat helps the flavors distribute more evenly
- The salsa verde actually tastes better if you make it an hour ahead and let it sit at room temperature
03 -
- If your tomatillos look a little sad or soft, roast them under the broiler for 5 minutes before blending—the char adds incredible depth
- Keep a small bowl of water nearby for dipping your fingers when handling hot peppers—the capsaicin washes away instead of spreading