If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner, this beef soft taco recipe is a winner. It's super low-maintenance, so you don't need to spend a ton of time in the kitchen. Plus, I'm topping these tacos with all of my family's favorite fixings. It's one of those dinners that comes together fast and is satisfying.
Ingredient Notes
I usually prep our soft corn tortillas in two ways, depending on my mood. Oh, and just a heads-up I sometimes prefer store-bought white corn tortillas over yellow. Yellow corn tortillas can taste a little dry depending on the brand, in my opinion.
- One way I warm them is on a griddle, with a splash of oil or without oil- it really depends.
- The other method I love is warming them directly over the stove-top burner, letting them sit over the open flame for several seconds on both sides to get that perfect char. Just be sure to watch them closely to avoid overheating, so they don't get too crispy!
Prepping the star of the show... your steak is key to making these tacos stand out. I like to use flap meat, but skirt or flank steak works great too.
Whichever cut you choose, I recommend whipping up a quick dry rub and letting the steak marinate for about 15 to 30 minutes, if you've got time.
Personally, I aim for the full 30 minutes to let those flavors really sink in, but I totally get it if you can't. Sometimes, life gets in the way, and a quick 15-minute marinade will still do the trick.
How to Make Soft Tacos With Beef
Refer to the recipe card for how to prep, cook, and assemble your tacos, so you can enjoy a flavorful and satisfying dinner with minimal effort. But, here's an overview:
- Gather your topping: Prepare your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, avocados, salsa, guacamole, or pickled red cabbage. Slice or crumble your choice of cheese.
- Marinate the steak: While the steak marinates (15-30 minutes), focus on prepping any other ingredients or do something to relax.
- Prep the tortillas: Warm soft corn tortillas in one of two ways: 1) On a dry griddle for about 1 minute or 2) Over a stovetop flame for several seconds on each side (be careful not to overheat).
- Cook the steak: Sear your marinated steak, then slice it thinly against the grain.
- Assemble the Tacos: Organize everything in an assembly line and stuff your tortillas with all your favorite toppings.
- Serve: Once everything's assembled, these soft corn tortilla tacos are ready to be eaten.
Helpful Tips
- For a fun and interactive dinner, set up a taco spread where everyone can assemble their own tacos. Just lay out all your ingredients- steak, tortillas, toppings, and condiments on a large sheet pan (see below), or have a taco bar and let guests make their own taco. It's perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
- Warm your tortillas just before serving for that fresh, soft texture. If you're making a taco bar, warm them all at once and wrap them in a clean towel to keep warm.
- If you're feeding a large group, consider grilling the steak and slicing it thin for easy serving.
- Have a variety of toppings like diced onions, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or your family's favorite fixings.
📖 Recipe
Easy Soft Taco Recipe With Beef
Easy Soft Taco Recipe With BeefIngredients
- 2 tablespoon grape-seed oil (extra virgin olive oil, canola oil, or avocado oil)
- 1.5 lbs flap meat
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
- ½ tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can low sodium chicken broth
Fixings
- 1 bunch romaine lettuce (sliced)
- 2 cups cheese (your choice sliced or crumbled)
- 1 red tomato (diced)
- 2 avocados (diced)
Condiments
- 2 cups pickled red cabbage (homemade or store bought)
- 1 cup salsa (homemade or store bought)
- 2 cups guacamole (homemade or store bought)
Instructions
- Wash flap meat and pat dry with paper towel. Using kitchen shears or sharp knife thinly cut flap meat against the grain. Season and add to ziploc bag to marinate for 15 to 30 minutes.
- While meat is marinating, prep all veggies and if making homemade condiments you can do so now unless you've already prepared them. If not, your favorite store brand condiments work perfectly fine.
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cooking oil (grape-seed oil, extra virgin olive oil, or avocado oil) to the skillet then add flap meat and begin to sear. It's important to cook in batches. This will allow your flap meat to get a nice crust. If you overcrowd the skillet, the flap meat will steam instead of getting a nice crusty brown sear.
- After completing each batch, transfer to a plate. In same skillet, add tomato paste and chili powder and stir while cooking for approximately 2 minutes. Slowly add entire can of chicken broth and whisk. Transfer cooked steak to skillet and stir until all combined and simmer for approximately 2 to 4 minutes. Season to taste.
- Warm corn tortillas over opened-flame on stove top or warm in a skillet with or without a little cooking oil for about a minute.
- Add about ¼ cup of meat to warmed tortillas and top with cheese, lettuce, diced tomato, salsa, guacamole, pickled red cabbage, and avocado, and other fixings of your choice
Notes
- For a fun and interactive dinner, set up a taco spread where everyone can assemble their own tacos. Just lay out all your ingredients- steak, tortillas, toppings, and condiments on a large sheet pan (see below), or have a taco bar and let guests make their own taco. It's perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
- Warm your tortillas just before serving for that fresh, soft texture. If you're making a taco bar, warm them all at once and wrap them in a clean towel to keep warm.
- If you're feeding a large group, consider grilling the steak and slicing it thin for easy serving.
- Have a variety of toppings like diced onions, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime or your family's favorites.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. For the most accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information using the specific ingredients and brands you use.
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