Spicy Beef Tacos Salsa Verde (Print Version)

Tender spicy beef in warm tortillas topped with vibrant salsa verde and fresh garnishes.

# 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 (such as 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

# Steps:

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 until fragrant.
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 over medium heat for 30 seconds per side or microwave wrapped in damp paper towels for 20–30 seconds.
06 - Spoon spicy beef into each tortilla. Top with salsa verde, red onion, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The homemade salsa verde transforms ordinary tacos into something restaurant-quality
  • Everything comes together in under an hour but tastes like you spent all day cooking
  • The spice level is completely adjustable based on your crowd
02 -
  • Tomatillos can be sticky under their husks, so rinse them well after removing the papery outer layer
  • The beef mixture will keep in the fridge for 3 days and actually tastes better the next day
03 -
  • Dont skip draining the beef if there is excess fat, or the tacos will become soggy
  • Let the salsa verde sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors marry

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