Beef Taco Recipe with Cilantro Slaw and Avocado Cream (2024)

5 from 8 votes

Posted January 24, 2018 (last updated March 4, 2024) by Wendy Polisi

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Welcome to a new twist on Taco Tuesday with our enticing Beef Taco recipe! Imagine sinking your teeth into tortillas filled with juicy, seasoned ground beef, topped with a vibrant cilantro slaw that's bursting with freshness. We've elevated the humble taco with a luscious avocado cream that adds a layer of creamy delight.

Beef Taco Recipe with Cilantro Slaw and Avocado Cream (1)

The first time I made these ground beef tacos, I was looking for a way to jazz up our usual Taco Tuesday routine.

I was pleasantly surprised by how the addition of a simple cilantro slaw transformed ordinary beef tacos into something truly extraordinary.

The slaw, with its fresh, zingy flavor, perfectly complements the rich, savory taste of the beef, creating a delightful balance in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Slaw:

Cabbage: Sliced thin, this adds a satisfying crunch to your tacos. If you're not a cabbage fan, shredded lettuce or even some thinly sliced radish can work well too.
Onion: Thinly sliced, onions provide a punch of flavor. Red onions or sweet yellow onions are best.
Jalapeno: Seeded and diced, this is where the heat comes in. Feeling adventurous? Try a serrano pepper. Want less spice? A bell pepper will do the trick.
Cilantro: This herb brings a fresh, bright flavor. Fresh parsley can be a good alternative if you're part of the population that finds cilantro soapy.
Lime Juice: Adds a tangy zing! Lemon juice can be a good substitute if limes aren't available.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: For sautéing and dressing. Any mild-flavored oil will work here.
Maple Syrup: This adds a hint of sweetness to balance the heat. Honey or agave syrup can be used instead.
Cayenne Pepper: For that extra kick! If it's too hot for your liking, try paprika or just reduce the amount.

For the meat:

Apple Cider Vinegar: Gives a slight tang to the meat. White vinegar or even lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
Avocado Oil: Great for cooking the meat. Canola or sunflower oil can also be used.
Minced Garlic: An essential flavor base. Garlic powder can be used if fresh isn't on hand.
Smoked Paprika & Ground Cumin: These spices add depth to the beef. Experiment with different spices like chili powder, onion powder, or coriander if you'd like. Taco seasoning can also be used.
Ground Beef : The star of the show! You could also use ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian option.

For serving:

Corn Tortillas: I love using organic ones. Flour tortillas , hard taco shells, or even lettuce wraps can be used for a different twist.
Queso Fresco: Optional, but oh-so-good! Try shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack if you prefer.
Avocado Cream: This adds a creamy, decadent finish. Sour cream or Greek yogurt can be a good alternative.

Step by Step

1: Let's start by preparing the taco slaw dressing. In a small bowl, add cilantro, lime juice, your favorite oil, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to your heart's content. Now, whisk it all together until it's blended.

2: Next, create the slaw. In a big bowl, toss together cabbage, onion, and jalapeno. Drizzle over the dressing from the previous step.

3: In another small bowl, whisk together vinegar, avocado oil, paprika, and cumin. Add salt and pepper to your liking.

4: Brown your beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with the back of a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. If you're using Beyond Meat Crumbles, simply follow the package instructions. Then, stir in the spice mixture and let it cook for about 3 to 5 minutes.

5: While the beef cooks, heat the tortillas in a dry skillet.

6: It is time to assemble your tacos. Place your beef, slaw, queso fresco, and avocado cream onto your tortillas. Feel free to add diced red pepper, tomatoes, and salsa if you like.

Tips and Tricks

Spice it Up: Don't be shy about using spices in this ground beef tacos recipe. You'd be surprised how much flavor cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and oregano add! Homemade taco seasoning is always a great option.
Cheese Matters: Cheese is always going to be a great addition to your taco! I'm partial to a sharp cheddar or queso fresco.
Warm Those Tortillas: Don't forget to warm up your tortillas before serving. It makes them softer, more pliable, and intensifies their flavor. You can also fry them in a bit of oil to make them crispy, like I've done in the photos.
Leftover Magic: If you end up with leftover beef, don't fret! It's perfect for quesadillas, salads, or even a breakfast sandwich if you'd like.