Beef Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Cuisine: American Type: Entree

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Beef
1 pound (454)
Taco Shells
12 count (144)
Avocado
2 count (400)
Tomato
2 count (300)
Onion
1 count (100)
Lime
1 count (30)
Cilantro
0.5 cup (8)
Garlic
2 cloves (10)
Cumin
1 teaspoon (2)
Chili Powder
1 teaspoon (2)
Salt
1 teaspoon (6)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (2)
Totals
51 oz
(1,458 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Beef
250
Tortillas
150
Avocado
160
Tomato
25
Onion
40
Cilantro
5
Lime Juice
10
Salt
0
Pepper
0
Garlic
5
Olive Oil
120
Sour Cream
60
Cheese
110
Totals
935 kcal
Steps
Step 1: Prepare the beef filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add oil and heat it until shimmering.
- Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet.
- Cook until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and break it up using a spatula.
- Cook the beef until it is browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Season the beef with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and any other desired spices.
- Stir well to evenly distribute the spices and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the avocado salsa
- In a bowl, combine diced avocados, finely chopped tomatoes, minced red onion, chopped cilantro, and minced jalapeno (optional for spice).
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture to add brightness and prevent the avocado from browning.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently toss the ingredients together until well combined.
- Set aside the avocado salsa.
Step 3: Warm the tortillas
- Heat a separate skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Warm each tortilla for about 20 seconds on each side until pliable and slightly toasted.
- Stack the warmed tortillas on a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm.
Step 4: Assemble the beef tacos
- Take a warm tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the cooked beef filling onto the center.
- Top the beef with a spoonful of the avocado salsa.
- Optionally, add additional toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or lettuce.
- Fold the tortilla in half, enclosing the filling.
- Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and fillings.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
- Arrange the prepared beef tacos on a serving platter.
- Serve them with extra avocado salsa and any desired toppings on the side.
- Enjoy the delicious beef tacos immediately while they are still warm and the flavors are fresh.
Note: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting the spice level to your preference.
Substitutions
Substitutions/Alterations for Beef Tacos with Avocado Salsa:
1. Beef:
- Ground chicken or turkey: Use the same quantity as the beef.
- Vegetarian alternative: Replace beef with cooked lentils or black beans, using the same quantity.
2. Avocado Salsa:
- Tomato salsa: Use the same quantity as avocado salsa.
- Pico de gallo: Replace avocado salsa with the same quantity of pico de gallo.
3. Tortillas:
- Corn tortillas: Substitute with the same quantity of flour tortillas, or vice versa.
4. Lime Juice:
- Lemon juice: Use the same quantity as lime juice.
5. Cilantro:
- Parsley: Replace cilantro with the same quantity of parsley.
6. Garlic:
- Garlic powder: Use half the quantity of garlic powder compared to fresh garlic.
7. Onion:
- Shallots: Replace onion with the same quantity of shallots.
8. Cumin:
- Chili powder: Substitute with the same quantity of chili powder.
9. Salt:
- Soy sauce: Use half the quantity of soy sauce compared to salt.
10. Black Pepper:
- White pepper: Replace black pepper with the same quantity of white pepper.
Note: Adjust seasoning according to taste preferences.
Pairings
- Mexican rice and refried beans
- Corn on the cob
- Grilled vegetables
- Cilantro-lime coleslaw
- Pico de gallo
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Churros for dessert
- Margaritas or Mexican beer for beverages
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Use a variety of colorful toppings such as finely diced red onions, cherry tomatoes, and fresh cilantro to add visual appeal.
- Garnish the tacos with a drizzle of vibrant lime crema or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco for an elegant touch.
- Serve the tacos on a wooden platter or a stylish serving dish to elevate the overall presentation.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Sear the beef in a cast-iron skillet to achieve a caramelized crust, enhancing the flavor and adding a delightful texture.
- Consider marinating the beef in a blend of spices, garlic, and lime juice to infuse it with extra flavor before cooking.
- Add a touch of heat by incorporating chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the avocado salsa, giving it a smoky and spicy kick.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Upgrade the beef by using prime cuts like ribeye or tenderloin for a more indulgent experience.
- Swap regular tortillas for homemade corn tortillas or high-quality artisanal ones for an authentic and luxurious touch.
- Enhance the avocado salsa by adding chunks of ripe and creamy Hass avocados, along with a splash of truffle oil for a touch of luxury.
Remember, these enhancements are meant to enhance the dish and make it more visually appealing, flavorful, and luxurious. Feel free to incorporate any or all of these ideas to create a next-level dining experience with your Beef Tacos with Avocado Salsa. Enjoy!
Diet Restrictions
- Use lean cuts of beef or opt for ground turkey or chicken as a healthier protein choice.
- Choose whole wheat or corn tortillas instead of white flour tortillas for added fiber.
- Replace regular sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lower-fat alternative.
- Use a smaller portion of cheese or opt for reduced-fat versions to reduce saturated fat intake.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the avocado salsa, such as adding diced tomatoes, onions, or bell peppers for added nutrients and fiber.
- Consider using low-sodium taco seasoning or make your own to reduce sodium intake.
- For gluten-free diets, ensure that the taco seasoning and tortillas are labeled gluten-free.
- For dairy-free diets, skip the cheese and sour cream altogether or use dairy-free alternatives.
- Adjust the spice level to accommodate individuals with sensitivities or preferences by reducing or omitting spicy ingredients like jalapenos or hot sauce.
- For those following a low-carb or keto diet, skip the tortillas altogether and serve the beef and avocado salsa in lettuce wraps or on a bed of lettuce as a salad.
Healthy Choices
- Use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lower fat content.
- Opt for whole wheat or corn tortillas instead of white flour tortillas for added fiber.
- Load up on fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions to increase the nutritional value.
- Replace traditional sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier, protein-packed alternative.
- Make your own avocado salsa using ripe avocados, diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt instead of store-bought options that may contain added sugars or unhealthy fats.
- Consider adding black beans or grilled vegetables to boost fiber and nutrient content.
- Limit the amount of cheese used or choose a reduced-fat version.
- Use homemade taco seasoning or look for low-sodium options to reduce sodium intake.
- Serve with a side of fresh salsa or pico de gallo instead of high-calorie sauces or dips.
- Control portion sizes to avoid overeating and maintain a balanced meal.
Shortcuts
1. Opt for pre-cut beef or use ground beef instead of cutting it yourself to save time.
2. Use store-bought taco seasoning instead of making your own spice blend.
3. Substitute fresh avocado with store-bought guacamole to save time and effort.
4. Consider using canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes for the salsa.
5. Replace fresh cilantro with dried cilantro or omit it altogether if not readily available.
6. Utilize pre-shredded cheese instead of grating it yourself.
7. Use ready-made taco shells or tortillas instead of making them from scratch.
8. Consider using sour cream instead of making a homemade sauce for added convenience.
9. Opt for iceberg lettuce instead of more expensive greens like romaine or spring mix.
10. Use canned corn instead of fresh corn kernels for the salsa to save time and money.