Fresh Mex Tacos

Fresh Mex Tacos are a flavorful fiesta in your mouth! With seasoned ground beef, crunchy slaw, and a medley of toppings, these tacos are a vibrant twist on traditional street food.

Gather your favorite fixings and get ready to devour the perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and fresh.

Ready Time

45 mins

Yields

10 servings

Ingredients

For the taco meat:
1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans for alternative options)
For the taco seasoning:
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the slaw:
2 cups shredded cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste
For the tacos:
10 corn tortillas
Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack work well)
Diced tomatoes
Diced avocado
Sliced black olives
Sliced jalapeños
Cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain the excess fat and add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.

Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the spices are fragrant.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the slaw ingredients: shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, mayonnaise, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Warm the corn tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.

Assemble the tacos by spooning the taco meat onto a tortilla, followed by a spoonful of the slaw, some shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, sliced black olives, and sliced jalapeños. Garnish with a sprig of cilantro and serve immediately.

Notes

Use leaner ground beef or alternative options like turkey, chicken, or beans for a healthier twist.

If you like a little heat, add the cayenne pepper; if not, omit it or reduce the amount to taste.

For a creamier slaw, add a little more mayonnaise or try using Greek yogurt instead.

Warm tortillas can make a big difference in the overall taco experience; don’t skip this step! Customize your tacos to your liking with your favorite toppings – the more, the merrier! This recipe makes 10 tacos, perfect for a small gathering or meal prep for the week.