Smoky Tomato Salsa Beef Tacos

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Ground beef simmered in a smoky tomato salsa, served in warm corn tortillas with fresh toppings. This mexican ready in about 40 minutes blends ground beef, diced tomatoes, diced red onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1/2 lb ground beef until browned and crumbly, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cumin, and 1/4 tsp chili powder. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
  3. Step 3: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side. Divide the beef mixture evenly among the tortillas.
  4. Step 4: Top each taco with 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp diced avocado, 1/4 cup shredded lettuce, and 1/4 cup sour cream.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Tomato Salsa Beef Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Smoky Tomato Salsa Beef Tacos?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Tomato Salsa Beef Tacos?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Smoky Tomato Salsa Beef Tacos for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Smoky Tomato Salsa Beef Tacos?

Mexican mexican like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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