Savory Beef Tacos with Pico Guacamole and Peppers

If you’re craving a delicious, flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress, these Savory Beef Tacos with Pico Guacamole and Peppers are the perfect choice. This recipe features succulent, seasoned beef paired with a fresh and zesty pico guacamole, roasted peppers, and a squeeze of lime, all wrapped up in warm, soft tortillas. It’s a vibrant dish that offers the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner, weekend gathering, or Taco Tuesday celebration. This recipe is both easy to make and customizable, allowing you to adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.

The taco seasoning is homemade, which gives these tacos an authentic flavor, while the pico guacamole provides a creamy and fresh contrast to the savory beef and crisp vegetables. Whether you’re using flour or corn tortillas, this dish is sure to satisfy your taco cravings. With a combination of juicy steak, crisp peppers, and fresh toppings, every bite bursts with flavor!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Taco Seasoning:

  • 1 ½ tsp (4g) Onion Powder
  • 1 ½ tsp (4g) Garlic Powder
  • 1 ½ tsp (4g) Sweet Paprika
  • 1 ½ tsp (4g) Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp (2g) Dried Oregano
  • ½ tsp (0.5g) Red Chilli Powder
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

For the Beef & Vegetables:

  • 2 Tbsp (40ml) Vegetable or Olive Oil
  • 650g (1.4lb) Flank or Skirt Steak (Rump can be used)
  • 2 Large Brown (Yellow) Onions, sliced
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper, sliced
  • 1 Yellow Bell Pepper, sliced
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

For the Pico Guacamole:

  • 3 Roma Tomatoes, deseeded & finely diced
  • 1 Small White Onion, finely diced
  • 15g (0.5oz) Coriander (Cilantro), roughly chopped
  • 1 Jalapeno or Serrano Chilli, finely diced
  • 1 Lime, juiced
  • 2 Avocados, mashed
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

For the Tortillas & Fillings:

  • 8-10 Corn or Flour Tortillas, warmed
  • Coriander (Cilantro) for garnish
  • Lime Wedges to serve
  • Chili Sauce of your choice (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Taco Seasoning

  1. Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, sweet paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, red chili powder, salt, and pepper. Set the taco seasoning aside for later use.

Step 2: Season the Beef

  1. Coat the Steak: Drizzle the flank or skirt steak with a splash of vegetable or olive oil. Rub 2/3 of the prepared taco seasoning all over the steak to ensure it is evenly coated with the flavorful spices.

Step 3: Make the Pico Guacamole

  1. Prepare the Pico: In a separate bowl, combine the finely diced Roma tomatoes, small white onion, and cilantro. If you like a little heat, add the diced jalapeno or serrano chili. Squeeze the juice of one lime into the mixture and stir well to combine.
  2. Mash the Avocados: In a separate bowl, mash the two avocados until smooth but still chunky. Gently fold the mashed avocados into the pico mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Store the pico guacamole in the fridge until ready to serve.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Cook the Onions and Peppers: Place the sliced onions and bell peppers in a bowl. Drizzle with vegetable oil and toss with the remaining taco seasoning. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and sauté the onion and pepper mixture for 5-6 minutes, or until they become soft yet still slightly al dente. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 5: Sear the Beef

  1. Sear the Steak: Using the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned steak and sear it for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked to your desired doneness. For medium-rare, the steak should have an internal temperature of about 52°C (125°F). Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes.
  2. Slice the Steak: After resting, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips for easy taco assembly.

Step 6: Warm the Tortillas

  1. Heat the Tortillas: Warm your tortillas on a skillet or in the microwave until they are soft and pliable. You can wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds to a minute or heat them individually on a hot, dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side.

Step 7: Assemble the Tacos

  1. Assemble the Tacos: Place the warm tortillas on a flat surface. Start by adding a spoonful of pico guacamole to each tortilla.
  2. Add the Beef: Top with the sliced beef, followed by the sautéed onions and peppers. Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top for a burst of flavor.
  3. Finish with Lime and Sauce: Serve with lime wedges on the side for a fresh squeeze of citrus and drizzle with your favorite chili sauce for an extra kick.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on 1 serving (1 taco)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can substitute flank or skirt steak with other cuts like ribeye or sirloin. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the steak. Flank and skirt steak are ideal for tacos because they are flavorful and tender when sliced thinly against the grain.

2. Can I make the pico guacamole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pico guacamole a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to cover it with plastic wrap to minimize browning.

3. How can I make the tacos spicier?

To increase the heat, add more jalapeno or serrano chili to the pico guacamole. You can also use a spicier chili sauce or drizzle extra hot sauce over the tacos for an extra kick.

4. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Absolutely! You can use either corn or flour tortillas depending on your preference. Flour tortillas tend to be softer and more pliable, while corn tortillas have a more authentic, slightly firmer texture.

5. Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

While the steak and vegetables are best served fresh, you can prepare the pico guacamole and seasoning ahead of time. Reheat the steak and sautéed vegetables before assembling the tacos to ensure everything is warm and flavorful.

Tips for Making Perfect Savory Beef Tacos

  1. Sear the Steak Properly: Make sure to sear the steak in a hot pan to get a nice crust. This enhances the flavor and texture of the beef.
  2. Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: You want the onions and peppers to retain a slight crunch, so avoid overcooking them. They should be soft but not mushy.
  3. Balance the Flavors: Pico guacamole offers a creamy and tangy contrast to the savory beef, so don’t skip it! The fresh lime juice and cilantro also help brighten the dish.
  4. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro, ripe avocados, and quality steak will make a significant difference in the final taste of your tacos.
  5. Toppings: Feel free to get creative with additional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or pickled onions.

Storage Tips

  • Storing Leftover Beef: If you have leftover steak, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the steak gently before serving to prevent it from becoming tough.
  • Storing Pico Guacamole: Store leftover pico guacamole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. To prevent browning, cover it with plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface of the guacamole.
  • Reheating Tortillas: If you have leftover tortillas, store them in a zip-top bag at room temperature. To reheat, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Conclusion

Savory Beef Tacos with Pico Guacamole and Peppers are an explosion of flavors and textures that are sure to impress anyone at your dinner table. With a balance of spicy, savory, tangy, and creamy components, these tacos deliver on taste and satisfaction. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a special taco night, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Easy to prepare, highly customizable, and absolutely delicious