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- 1 lb ground beef - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper, to taste - 8 taco shells (corn or flour) - 1 cup shredded lettuce - 1 cup diced tomatoes - 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped Beef tacos start with ground beef. I like to use 80/20 beef for the best flavor. The fat gives moisture and richness. You also need onion and garlic for aroma and taste. Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika bring warmth. The taco shells can be corn or flour. I often choose corn for a crunch. You can top your tacos with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. Cilantro adds a fresh note. - 1 ripe avocado - 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt - 1 tablespoon lime juice - Salt and pepper, to taste The star of the show is the avocado for the crema. A ripe avocado gives a creamy texture. I suggest using sour cream for tang. You can swap in Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Lime juice adds brightness, while salt and pepper enhance the flavor. For the full recipe, you can explore the details and enjoy making this delicious dish! Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add one small, finely chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves. Sauté these for about three to four minutes until they turn soft and see-through. Next, add one pound of ground beef to the skillet. Cook this until it browns, breaking it up as you stir. Once the beef is cooked, drain any extra fat from the skillet. Now, it's time to make the beef tasty! Mix in one tablespoon of chili powder, one teaspoon of cumin, and one teaspoon of smoked paprika. These spices add great flavor to your beef. Cook this mixture for an extra two to three minutes to let the spices blend well with the meat. Don't forget to add salt and pepper to taste. In a blender or bowl, combine one ripe avocado, half a cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and one tablespoon of lime juice. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend or mash these until you get a smooth and creamy texture. Taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. This avocado crema will be the perfect cool topping for your tacos. Warm your taco shells in the oven or microwave, following the package instructions. Once warm, fill each taco shell with a generous amount of the seasoned beef mixture. Top your tacos with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Finally, add a dollop of your avocado crema and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a pop of color. For the full recipe, check out the details above! Choosing the right ground beef is key. Aim for 80/20 ground beef. This mix has enough fat for flavor but isn't too greasy. You want juicy, tasty tacos. Avoid lean ground beef; it lacks flavor and moisture. For delicious seasoning, start with fresh spices. Use chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Mix these into the meat as it cooks. This method helps the flavors blend well. Don't forget to taste as you go. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. To make your avocado crema extra flavorful, use ripe avocados. They should be soft to the touch. Add lime juice for a zesty kick. You can also mix in garlic powder or chopped cilantro. These ingredients enhance the flavor. For variations, try adding hot sauce or diced jalapeños. You can blend in fresh herbs like basil or mint. Each twist adds a unique taste to the crema, making it a fun addition to your tacos. The best sides to accompany beef tacos are rice and beans. They add good texture and balance the meal. You can also serve tortilla chips and salsa for a crunchy contrast. For creative ways to serve tacos at gatherings, try taco bars. Set up a table with all your toppings. Let guests build their own tacos. It's a fun and interactive way to enjoy this meal. You can find the full recipe for these delicious tacos in the earlier sections of this article. {{image_2}} You can easily switch out ground beef for chicken or turkey. These meats cook quickly and taste great. Simply season them as you would the beef. For a vegetarian option, try using black beans or lentils. Both options are hearty and packed with flavor. Just mash the beans or cook the lentils and spice them up. You’ll enjoy a tasty taco without meat. Tacos come in many styles. You can choose soft or hard-shell tacos. Soft shells are great for holding all your toppings. Hard shells add a nice crunch. If you're feeling adventurous, try making street tacos. These are smaller and often just have meat, onions, and cilantro. They are simple but full of flavor. Toppings can change your taco game. Think about adding pickled onions for a tangy kick. Jalapeños can add heat if you like spice. Different cheeses can also elevate your tacos. Cheddar is classic, but try queso fresco for a fresh taste. You can mix and match toppings to make each taco unique. For the full recipe, check out the Beef Tacos with Avocado Crema. To store leftover tacos, you need to keep the beef and shells separate. This way, your taco shells stay crisp. Place any leftover cooked beef in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. For taco shells, store them in a cool, dry place. If they get soft, you can crisp them in the oven for a few minutes before serving. You can freeze avocado crema if you have extra. Pour it into an airtight container or a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. It may change texture a bit, but it will still taste great. Use frozen crema within three months for the best flavor. When reheating beef tacos, do it gently. You can use the microwave, but cover them with a damp paper towel. This keeps them from drying out. Heat in short bursts, checking often. Alternatively, warm them in the oven at a low temperature. This method keeps the beef juicy and the shells crisp. You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. It gives a similar taste and creaminess. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or silken tofu. Both blend well and keep the texture smooth. These alternatives work great in avocado crema. Yes, you can prep tacos ahead of time. Cook the beef and store it in the fridge. You can also make the avocado crema a day in advance. This saves time on taco night. Keep the taco shells separate to avoid sogginess. Assemble the tacos just before serving for the best taste. Serve beef tacos with classic sides like rice and beans. You can also add a fresh salad or corn on the cob. For modern options, try grilled veggies or a fruit salsa. These sides complement the beef tacos well and add flavor to your meal. Beef tacos are simple and fun to make. You need key ingredients like ground beef, onion, and taco shells. Add a creamy avocado sauce for extra flavor. We went through easy steps for cooking beef, blending crema, and assembling tacos. Remember to explore different proteins and toppings. Tacos can fit any taste. Store leftovers well for quick meals. With these tips, your taco nights will impress. Enjoy every bite!

Beef Tacos with Avocado Crema

Savor the flavors of homemade Beef Tacos with Avocado Crema that are sure to impress! This easy recipe features seasoned ground beef topped with fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a creamy avocado sauce that elevates every bite. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun gathering, these tacos are quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. Click to explore the full recipe and make your taco night unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

8 taco shells (corn or flour)

1 cup shredded lettuce

1 cup diced tomatoes

1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Avocado Crema Ingredients:

1 ripe avocado

1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon lime juice

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

    Season the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, stirring occasionally to break it up. Drain any excess fat.

      Add Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to meld into the beef.

        Prepare Avocado Crema: In a blender or a bowl, combine the ripe avocado, sour cream (or yogurt), lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.

          Assemble Tacos: Warm the taco shells in the oven or microwave according to package instructions. Fill each taco shell with a generous amount of the seasoned beef mixture.

            Add Toppings: Top the beef with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a dollop of avocado crema. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro for garnish.

              Serve: Serve the tacos immediately, with any extra avocado crema on the side for dipping.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4