Name: Classic Beef Tacos with Homemade Salsa Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20); 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp paprika; ½ tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat); Salt and black pepper to taste; ½ cup tomato sauce; ¼ cup water; 4-5 ripe Roma tomatoes, diced; ½ red onion, finely chopped; 1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced (adjust for spice); 2 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Juice of 2 limes (about 3-4 tbsp); Salt to taste; 8-10 soft corn tortillas (or hard shells); Toppings: shredded lettuce, cheddar or queso fresco, sour cream, avocado, lime wedges

Savor these irresistible classic beef tacos made with tender seasoned ground beef, aromatic homemade taco seasoning, and a bright, chunky homemade salsa featuring ripe tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime. Quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, delivering that authentic Mexican-inspired taste in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll fall head over heels for this recipe because it transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen—no mysterious packets required! The homemade taco seasoning gives the beef incredible depth with warm spices like chili powder, cumin, and a touch of oregano, while a secret splash of tomato sauce keeps it moist and flavorful.

Paired with fresh homemade salsa that’s zesty, slightly spicy, and far superior to store-bought, every taco feels vibrant and alive. It’s quick (ready in under 45 minutes), budget-friendly, kid-approved yet sophisticated enough for adults, and endlessly adaptable to your heat preference or dietary needs.

Plus, the satisfaction of making your own salsa from scratch? Pure joy—it’s fresher, brighter, and lets you control every element for perfection.

Yield: 4 serves

Classic Beef Tacos with Homemade Salsa Recipe

Juicy seasoned beef tacos topped with fresh homemade salsa—quick, flavorful, and perfect for taco night!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20)
1 small onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ cup tomato sauce
¼ cup water

For the Homemade Salsa:

4-5 ripe Roma tomatoes, diced
½ red onion, finely chopped
1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced (adjust for spice)
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 2 limes (about 3-4 tbsp)
Salt to taste

For Assembly:

8-10 soft corn tortillas (or hard shells)
Toppings: shredded lettuce, cheddar or queso fresco, sour cream, avocado, lime wedges

Instructions

Start with the salsa magic — In a medium bowl, combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeños, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and a generous pinch of salt. Stir well, taste, and adjust seasoning. Let it sit on the counter while you cook—this resting time lets the flavors dance and marry beautifully for maximum freshness!
Heat things up — Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion—no oil needed since the beef releases fat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no pink remains.
Drain if needed — If there's excess fat, tilt the pan and spoon some out, but leave a little for juicy flavor.
Season like a pro — Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant—your kitchen will smell incredible!
Make it saucy — Pour in tomato sauce and water. Stir everything together, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 5-8 minutes until thickened and flavorful. Taste and tweak salt or spices.
Warm those tortillas — While beef simmers, warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat (30 seconds per side) or wrap in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes. This makes them soft and pliable.
Assemble your masterpieces — Spoon generous portions of seasoned beef into each warm tortilla.
Top with love — Add shredded lettuce, cheese, a big spoonful of your vibrant homemade salsa, sour cream, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime.
Fold and savor — Gently fold the tacos and serve immediately while everything's hot and melty.
Dig in and enjoy — Pass extra salsa and toppings around the table—watch everyone go back for seconds! These tacos are best fresh, so gather your crew and celebrate taco night.

Notes

Use fresh lime juice for the best zing—bottled won't compare. Adjust jalapeños to your spice tolerance. For extra authenticity, char tortillas over a gas flame for 10-15 seconds per side

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 374Total Fat 21gSaturated Fat 8gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 102mgSodium 367mgCarbohydrates 12gFiber 4gSugar 4gProtein 34g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness—lean meat can dry out.
Brown the beef well before adding spices to develop rich, caramelized notes.
Let the salsa sit 15-30 minutes after mixing so flavors meld beautifully.
Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven for softness and pliability.
Prep toppings ahead (shredded lettuce, cheese, etc.) for fast assembly.
Taste and adjust seasoning—add more lime for brightness or salt as needed.
For extra authenticity, char tortillas lightly over an open flame.
Drain excess fat from beef if it’s too greasy, but leave a little for flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Make it your own easily! Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or use shredded beef (like chuck roast slow-cooked) for more authentic carne asada-style tacos.

For vegetarian, substitute with black beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles seasoned the same way. Dial heat up with extra jalapeños, habaneros, or chipotle in adobo, or go mild by using bell peppers instead.

Try charred tomato salsa by roasting ingredients first for smoky depth. Use flour tortillas for softer texture, or hard shells for crunch. Add toppings like avocado slices, queso fresco, sour cream, pickled onions, or radishes. For low-carb, serve in lettuce wraps. Gluten-free? Stick to corn tortillas and check seasonings.

Storage Options

Store cooked beef filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days—reheat gently with a splash of water to restore moisture. Homemade salsa lasts 3-5 days refrigerated (stir before serving as it gets juicier).

Store toppings separately to avoid sogginess. Freeze beef filling in portions for up to 3 months—thaw overnight and reheat on stovetop. Salsa doesn’t freeze well due to texture changes, so make fresh batches.