Taco-Style Ground Beef Skillet with Spiced Tomato and Avocado Salsa
A quick and flavorful skillet dish featuring seasoned ground beef simmered in a spiced tomato sauce, topped with fresh avocado salsa for a creamy contrast. This mexican-inspired beef ready in about 35 minutes blends pound ground beef (80% lean), olive oil, medium yellow onion, finely chopped 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 450 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.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 large ripe avocado, diced
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 pound ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine 1 large diced ripe avocado, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 small seeded finely diced jalapeño. Toss gently to make the avocado salsa.
- Step 6: Serve the spiced ground beef skillet topped with the fresh avocado salsa, accompanied by warm tortillas or rice as desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Taco-Style Ground Beef Skillet with Spiced Tomato and Avocado Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Taco-Style Ground Beef Skillet with Spiced Tomato and Avocado Salsa?
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 Taco-Style Ground Beef Skillet with Spiced Tomato and Avocado Salsa?
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 Taco-Style Ground Beef Skillet with Spiced Tomato and Avocado Salsa 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 Taco-Style Ground Beef Skillet with Spiced Tomato and Avocado Salsa?
Mexican beef 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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