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- 1 pound lean ground beef - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 teaspoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Juice of 1 lime - Corn or flour tortillas - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Zesty Beef Tacos with Avocado Crema

Looking for a delicious dinner idea? Try these Zesty Beef Tacos with Avocado Crema! With seasoned ground beef wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with a creamy avocado sauce, they offer a perfect blend of flavors that's sure to please the whole family. This easy-to-make recipe not only highlights fresh ingredients but also encourages togetherness at the dinner table. Enjoy a tasty meal that's perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknights to festive gatherings!

Ingredients
  

For the Zesty Beef:

1 lb lean ground beef

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon tomato paste

½ cup beef broth

For the Avocado Crema:

1 ripe avocado

½ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream for a richer taste)

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 garlic clove, minced

Salt to taste

Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)

For Assembling the Tacos:

8 corn or flour tortillas

Shredded lettuce

Diced tomatoes

Shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend)

Sliced jalapeños (optional)

Fresh lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, sauté the diced onion for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, stirring until it becomes fragrant.

    Season the Meat: Raise the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook the beef for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon until it is well-browned and no longer pink.

      Add Spices: Once the beef is browned, stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices coat the beef evenly.

        Simmer: Add the lime juice, tomato paste, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients, then reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

          Prepare Avocado Crema: While the beef simmers, make the avocado crema. In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the salt if necessary.

            Warm Tortillas: In a dry skillet placed over medium heat, warm each tortilla individually for about 20-30 seconds on each side, or until they become soft and pliable.

              Assemble Tacos: To build each taco, place a generous scoop of the zesty beef mixture onto the center of a warm tortilla. Top with a handful of shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Finish with a drizzle of avocado crema, and add sliced jalapeños if desired.

                Serve: Garnish your tacos with fresh cilantro leaves and add lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately and savor the vibrant, zesty taste!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 40 minutes | 4 servings