Spicy Tex-Mex Beef Tacos with Fresh Salsa Verde

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Ground beef seasoned with bold Texan spices served inside warm corn tortillas topped with a tangy salsa verde for a fresh and spicy taco night. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 30 minutes blends ground beef (80% lean), olive oil, ground cumin 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until spices are fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, preheat broiler. On a baking sheet, arrange 8 medium husked tomatillos and 1 small jalapeño. Broil for 5-6 minutes until charred and softened.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the charred tomatillos and jalapeño to a blender with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 cup finely diced red onion. Blend until smooth to make salsa verde.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side. Serve the seasoned beef in tortillas topped with salsa verde.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Tex-Mex Beef Tacos with Fresh Salsa Verde take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Spicy Tex-Mex Beef Tacos with Fresh Salsa Verde?

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 Spicy Tex-Mex Beef Tacos with Fresh Salsa Verde?

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 Tex-Mex Beef Tacos with Fresh Salsa Verde 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 Spicy Tex-Mex Beef Tacos with Fresh Salsa Verde?

Mexican tacos & burritos 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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