Beef Tacos with Guacamole Recipe

Introduction

Beef Tacos with Guacamole is a flavorful, satisfying dish that brings together seasoned ground beef, fresh toppings, and the creamy richness of homemade guacamole—all tucked into soft or crunchy taco shells. This dish is a favorite for Taco Tuesday, family gatherings, or casual parties, offering a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and fresh flavors in every bite.

The beef is cooked with a blend of spices to create a rich, mouth-watering filling, while the guacamole adds a cool, smooth contrast that elevates the entire taco experience. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a quick weeknight dinner or prepare a festive meal, Beef Tacos with Guacamole is sure to become a go-to recipe. This guide will walk you through each step of the process, share tips for success, and offer suggestions for customizing your tacos to suit your tastes.

Why You’ll Love Beef Tacos with Guacamole

• Bold, Flavorful Filling: The seasoned ground beef provides a savory, juicy filling that is full of flavor, enhanced by garlic, cumin, chili powder, and other spices.
• Perfect Balance of Textures: From the crunchy taco shells or soft tortillas to the creamy guacamole and crisp lettuce, these tacos offer a delightful contrast in textures with every bite.
• Customizable: Beef Tacos with Guacamole can be easily adapted to suit dietary preferences and flavor profiles. Add more heat, swap out toppings, or choose a different protein to make this dish your own.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to prepare and cooks in just under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for a weeknight meal or a quick dinner for friends and family.
• Fresh, Homemade Guacamole: The homemade guacamole adds a fresh and zesty component that’s easy to make and takes the flavor of your tacos to the next level.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings (2 tacos per serving)
• Calories per Serving: Around 450-500 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450-500 kcal
• Fat: 24-30g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
• Protein: 25-28g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 3-5g

Ingredients

For the Beef Tacos:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• 8 small taco shells or tortillas (soft or crunchy)
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• ½ cup sour cream (optional)
• Salsa, hot sauce, or jalapeño slices (optional toppings)

For the Guacamole:

• 3 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and mashed
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (fresh)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for heat)

Special Equipment

Though Beef Tacos with Guacamole don’t require any specialized tools, a few pieces of equipment can help make the cooking process smoother:

1. Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: A large skillet is perfect for browning the ground beef and sautéing the onions and garlic. It ensures the beef cooks evenly and allows for easy mixing of the spices.
2. Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: You’ll need a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board for chopping the onions, garlic, tomatoes, and other ingredients for both the beef and guacamole.
3. Mixing Bowls: A medium mixing bowl is needed for preparing the guacamole. A large bowl can be used for serving the toppings or tossing any additional ingredients for your tacos.
4. Spoon or Potato Masher: For mashing the avocados and creating the guacamole, a spoon or potato masher works well. For a smoother consistency, you can use a fork or blender.
5. Taco Holder or Serving Tray: To make it easier to assemble and serve the tacos, a taco holder can keep the shells upright, or you can simply place them on a tray and assemble them as you go.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Guacamole

Start by making the guacamole so the flavors have time to meld while you prepare the tacos. In a medium mixing bowl, mash the ripe avocados using a fork or potato masher until smooth but still slightly chunky, depending on your texture preference.

Add the finely chopped red onion, diced tomato, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper to the mashed avocados. Stir everything together until well combined. If you like a bit of heat, stir in the chopped jalapeño.

Taste the guacamole and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, lime juice, or cilantro for a brighter flavor. Set the guacamole aside, covering it with plastic wrap to prevent browning, or refrigerate if you’re not using it right away.

2. Cook the Beef Filling

While the guacamole rests, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.

Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion softens. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until the beef is evenly coated with the spices. Pour in the beef broth (or water) and stir, allowing the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the beef is well-seasoned.

Once the filling is done, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside while you prepare the taco shells.

3. Prepare the Taco Shells

While the beef mixture is simmering, heat your taco shells or tortillas. If you’re using soft tortillas, you can warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side until they’re heated through. For crunchy taco shells, follow the instructions on the package to bake them until crisp, usually about 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

If you prefer to make your tacos ahead of time, you can prepare the shells and place them in a taco holder or a tray, ready to be filled with the beef mixture and toppings.

4. Assemble the Tacos

Once the beef is ready, it’s time to assemble the tacos. Place the taco shells on a plate or tray and start by spooning a generous amount of the seasoned beef mixture into each shell.

Top the beef with a handful of shredded lettuce, followed by diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Finally, scoop a generous spoonful of guacamole onto each taco. You can also add salsa, jalapeño slices, or hot sauce for extra flavor and heat.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the tacos immediately while the shells are still warm, accompanied by your favorite side dishes or additional toppings. These tacos pair perfectly with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple green salad.

Tips for Perfect Beef Tacos with Guacamole

• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe avocados for the guacamole. The freshness of the vegetables, like the tomatoes and cilantro, will also enhance the taco’s taste.
• Customize the Beef Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning based on your preferences. If you like more heat, add extra cayenne or some chopped fresh chili. If you prefer a milder taco, reduce the chili powder and cayenne.
• Use Lean Ground Beef: While you can use any fat content of ground beef, using 80% lean beef strikes a good balance between flavor and grease. You can also opt for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Make the Guacamole Ahead: If you’re preparing this dish for a crowd, make the guacamole ahead of time. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent browning, or add a bit of lime juice on top to help preserve its color.
• Warm the Taco Shells: Warming taco shells or tortillas just before serving helps prevent them from cracking and makes the taco more enjoyable to eat.

Variations of Beef Tacos with Guacamole

• Beef Tacos with Avocado Salsa: For a different twist, substitute the guacamole with an avocado salsa. Combine diced avocados, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice for a lighter topping.
• Ground Beef and Chorizo Tacos: For an extra flavor kick, use a combination of ground beef and Mexican chorizo. The chorizo adds a savory, spicy flavor that pairs well with the guacamole.
• Vegetarian Tacos with Guacamole: Replace the beef with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions, or use a plant-based protein like tofu or lentils for a meatless version.
• BBQ Beef Tacos: Add a smoky twist to your tacos by mixing the beef with barbecue sauce instead of the traditional taco seasoning. Top with a dollop of guacamole for a fusion flavor.
• Tacos al Pastor with Guacamole: Marinate your beef in achiote paste, pineapple, and other spices to create a more authentic al pastor-style taco, then top with guacamole for a refreshing contrast.

Storage and Shelf Life

Beef Tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but the components can be stored for later use:

• Leftover Beef: Store any leftover cooked beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef in a skillet with a splash of water or beef broth to prevent it from drying out.
• Leftover Guacamole: Guacamole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. To prevent browning, cover the guacamole with plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface or place a thin layer of lime juice on top before sealing the container.
• Taco Shells: If you have leftover taco shells, store them in a dry, cool place in their original packaging. They will last for several weeks as long as they’re kept sealed in a dry environment. If you have leftovers, you can also repurpose the ingredients to make a different meal, such as a taco salad or a taco bowl by layering the beef, guacamole, and other toppings over a bed of greens or rice.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Beef Tacos with Guacamole

Beef Tacos with Guacamole are a complete meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes and beverages to round out the experience. Here are some ideas to complement your tacos:

• Mexican Rice: A simple, flavorful side dish, Mexican rice adds a savory and slightly spicy flavor to the meal. It’s a classic pairing with tacos and adds a hearty element to the meal.
• Refried Beans or Black Beans: Creamy refried beans or seasoned black beans are a great side dish for tacos. They provide a mild, comforting flavor that pairs well with the spiced beef and the freshness of the guacamole.
• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled bell peppers, onions, and zucchini are a great addition to your meal. The smoky flavor of grilled vegetables complements the richness of the beef and the coolness of the guacamole.
• Churros: For a sweet finish to your meal, serve crispy churros dusted with cinnamon sugar. They’re a perfect way to round out a taco night.
• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Elote is a deliciously smoky, cheesy corn on the cob, often served with a tangy lime dressing. It makes for a fantastic side dish that elevates the flavors of your tacos.
• Taco Salad: A lighter, healthier option, taco salad is a fun way to repurpose the taco fillings. Toss lettuce, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and guacamole in a large bowl and top with the seasoned beef. Serve with tortilla chips on the side for crunch.
• Margaritas or Iced Tequila Lemonade: For a festive drink, serve your Beef Tacos with a refreshing margarita or an iced tequila lemonade. The citrusy drink pairs perfectly with the savory tacos and guacamole.

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Conclusion

Beef Tacos with Guacamole offer a delightful balance of flavors, textures, and freshness. From the rich, savory beef filling to the creamy, zesty guacamole, each bite is a delicious experience. The recipe is quick, easy to prepare, and fully customizable to suit your taste. Whether you’re making them for Taco Tuesday, a family dinner, or a casual gathering with friends, these tacos are sure to be a hit.

With fresh ingredients and simple instructions, this meal comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights or entertaining guests. The homemade guacamole adds a burst of freshness that sets these tacos apart from the rest, and the versatility of the dish allows you to make it your own by adding extra toppings, adjusting the spice level, or using different proteins.

Beef Tacos with Guacamole will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy these flavorful tacos, and don’t forget to share them with your friends and family—they’ll love them too!