Southwestern Beef Tacos
Juicy marinated flank steak paired with flavorful beef tacos, fresh avocado, salsa, and sour cream, perfect for a vibrant, satisfying Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 8 (6-inch) flour tortillas ⓘ
- 1 medium avocado ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1 green bell pepper ⓘ
- 2/3 cup prepared salsa ⓘ
- 1/2 cup prepared salsa ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1 lb. beef flank steak ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Marinate the beef flank steak overnight with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and other seasonings to tenderize and flavor.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and grill until cooked to desired doneness, about 4-6 minutes per side for medium rare.
- While the steak is grilling, prepare the toppings: slice the avocado, chop the onion and bell pepper, and prepare salsa and sour cream.
- Slice the grilled steak thinly against the grain.
- Warm the flour tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
- Assemble the tacos by placing sliced steak on tortillas, then adding avocado slices, onion, bell pepper, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the flank steak for 24 hours instead of just overnight. If you don't have flank steak, sirloin or skirt steak can be good substitutes. You can also use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version. To enhance the dish, add fresh cilantro or jalapeños as toppings. Pair with your favorite salsa or try a spicy variant for extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these tacos with a side of Mexican rice or black beans for a hearty meal. A fresh corn salad or guacamole complements the flavors nicely. For drinks, consider serving with a refreshing margarita or a light beer. These tacos also pair beautifully with Cheesy Beef Nachos for a fun meal spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the tortillas in a skillet and heat the beef in a pan over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tortillas chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwestern Beef Tacos contains roughly 837 calories, with 25g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (98% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value), and protein (50% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1733mg per serving (75% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the beef with ground chicken or turkey. Adjust the cooking time as poultry cooks faster than beef. Ensure it's fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. You can also use the same marinade for chicken or turkey to infuse similar flavors.
What can I do if I don't have Dijon mustard?
If you don't have Dijon mustard, you can substitute it with yellow mustard or even a mix of equal parts honey and mustard for a sweeter profile. If you're looking for a more complex flavor, try using spicy brown mustard or a grainy mustard.
How can I make these tacos vegetarian?
To make vegetarian tacos, replace the beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or black beans for protein. You can also add grilled vegetables like zucchini and corn for texture. The marinade can be replaced with a mix of lime juice, garlic, and spices for flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).