Spicy Beef Tacos with Avocado Crema

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

Tender marinated beef in a smoky chipotle sauce, served in warm tortillas with creamy avocado crema. This mexican-inspired beef (vegetarian-friendly) ready in about 50 minutes pairs beef skirt steak, chipotle paste, tortillas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 480 cal/serving

Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

400g beef skirt steak
2 tbsp chipotle paste
8 tortillas
2 avocado
1/2 cup crema

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

Step 1: In a large resealable bag, add 400g beef skirt steak and 2 tbsp chipotle paste. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes, turning occasionally for even coating. Tip: Use a resealable bag instead of a bowl to prevent the marinade from spilling.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over high heat, then add 1 tbsp olive oil. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off, and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Transfer to a baking dish, then bake at 200°C (400°F) for 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 60°C (140°F) for medium-rare. Tip: Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Step 3: In a blender, combine 2 ripe avocados, 1/2 cup crema, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1/2 tsp salt. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Tip: If the mixture is too thick, add 1-2 tbsp water for a lighter texture.
Step 4: Warm 8 tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side, or until pliable and slightly charred. Place 1/4 of the sliced beef on each tortilla, then spoon 2-3 tbsp avocado crema over the top. Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and a squeeze of lime juice. Tip: For extra flavor, add a few drops of chipotle paste to the crema before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Beef Tacos with Avocado Crema take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spicy Beef Tacos with Avocado Crema?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef skirt steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Beef Tacos with Avocado Crema?

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 Spicy Beef Tacos with Avocado Crema 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.

Is Spicy Beef Tacos with Avocado Crema vegetarian-friendly?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.