Chipotle Beef Tacos with Avocado Crema

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-03-23 · Updated 2026-03-23

Smoky chipotle-marinated beef served in warm tortillas with creamy avocado crema. This mexican-inspired beef ready in about 45 minutes turns beef shoulder, chipotle paste, tortillas into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs beef shoulder
• 2 tbsp chipotle paste
• 8 tortillas
• 1 avocado
• 1/2 cup crema
• 1/4 cup onions

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine 1.5 lbs beef shoulder with 2 tbsp chipotle paste in a large bowl. Use your hands to massage the paste into the meat until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. Tip: For deeper flavor, you can marinate for up to 2 hours, but avoid longer than that to prevent the meat from becoming too tender and falling apart during grilling.
2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat (around 375°F). Remove the beef from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the meat on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Tip: Avoid moving the beef too soon after placing it on the grill — let it sear undisturbed for the first 5 minutes to develop a flavorful crust.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mash 1 avocado with a fork until smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup crema until fully combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Tip: For a smoother texture, you can blend the mixture in a food processor, but a fork works well for a rustic consistency.
4. Step 4: Warm 8 tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side, or until pliable and slightly charred. Slice the grilled beef into thin strips. Assemble tacos by placing 1/4 cup chopped onions, 2-3 tbsp beef, and a spoonful of avocado crema on each tortilla. Fold the tortillas in half and serve immediately. Tip: If the crema becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of lime juice or a bit of water before serving.