Spicy Beef Tacos Salsa Verde (Printable)
Juicy seasoned beef and zesty tomatillo salsa verde combine inside warm tortillas for a flavorful, vibrant dish.
# What you'll need:
→ For the Beef
01 - 1.1 lb ground beef, 80/20 preferred
02 - 1 small onion, finely diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
08 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
09 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
10 - 1 teaspoon salt
11 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
12 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
13 - ¼ cup water
→ For the Salsa Verde
14 - 10 oz tomatillos, husked and rinsed
15 - 1 jalapeño pepper, stemmed, remove seeds for less heat
16 - 1 small garlic clove
17 - 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
18 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
19 - ½ teaspoon salt
20 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
→ For Serving
21 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
22 - ½ cup crumbled queso fresco or feta, optional
23 - 1 ripe avocado, sliced
24 - Fresh cilantro leaves
25 - Lime wedges
# Directions:
01 - Bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Add tomatillos and jalapeño; simmer for 5 minutes until tomatillos turn pale green and soften. Drain and cool slightly. In a blender, combine tomatillos, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Blend until smooth. Stir in chopped red onion. Chill until ready to use.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute. Add tomato paste and water. Stir to coat the beef and simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning.
03 - Fill each warm tortilla with spicy beef. Top with salsa verde, crumbled cheese if using, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The beef seasoning creates this deep smoky flavor that makes people ask what your secret is
- Homemade salsa verde is shockingly simple and elevates tacos from good to cantina quality
02 -
- Dont skip boiling the tomatillos—raw ones can taste bitter and harsh
- Warm your tortillas twice if you're making a big batch, they tend to cool down fast
03 -
- Taste your salsa before serving—some tomatillos are more acidic than others and might need an extra pinch of salt
- If your tortillas crack, wrap the warmed stack in a clean kitchen towel to keep them pliable