Tex-Mex Chili-Spiced Beef Tacos with Avocado Crema

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-08-05 · Updated 2026-08-05

Spiced ground beef seasoned with chili powder and cumin served in warm corn tortillas, topped with a smooth avocado crema and fresh cilantro for a vibrant Tex-Mex taco experience. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 30 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 whole ripe avocado
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tbsp water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 finely chopped medium onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic. Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for 2 more minutes until spices are toasted and beef is well coated.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a blender, combine 1 whole ripe avocado, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp water. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting water for desired consistency.
5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable and heated through.
6. Step 6: Assemble tacos by spooning generous portions of the spiced beef onto each tortilla, then drizzle with avocado crema and garnish with additional cilantro if desired.