Description
These Beef Tacos with Peach Vinegar Slaw combine savory, spiced ground beef with a refreshing and tangy coleslaw made from peach cider vinegar, jalapenos, and cilantro. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy recipe brings a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and fresh flavors, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Filling
- 8 soft shell tacos
- 1–1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tomatoes, grated (or substitute 2 tbsp tomato paste mixed with 1/4 cup water)
- Olive oil, for sautéing
Peach Vinegar Slaw
- 1 bag coleslaw mix (16 oz)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 jalapeno, diced
- 2 tbsp peach cider vinegar (or substitute apple cider vinegar)
- Handful of cilantro, finely chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Filling: Heat a large skillet over medium and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened, creating the flavor base.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir frequently to ensure even browning.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: After a couple of minutes, mix in the grated tomatoes or tomato paste mixture along with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook on medium for 8–10 minutes until the meat is fully cooked through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Make the Peach Vinegar Slaw: While the beef cooks, combine coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, peach cider vinegar, diced jalapeno, chopped cilantro, and salt and pepper in a large bowl. Massage together thoroughly with your hands so the dressing incorporates evenly.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the soft shell tacos over an open flame or on a dry skillet until warmed and slightly charred, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Assemble the Tacos: Fill each warmed tortilla with a generous scoop of the seasoned beef mixture and top with the peach vinegar slaw. Serve immediately, optionally adding hot sauce and fresh lime juice for extra zest.
Notes
- Substitute peach cider vinegar with apple cider vinegar if unavailable.
- Grating fresh tomatoes adds a brightness, but tomato paste diluted with water is a convenient alternative.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control spiciness.
- Jalapeno can be omitted for a milder slaw or replaced with other chili peppers depending on heat preference.
- Tortillas can be warmed on a grill or stovetop, but avoid overheating to prevent drying out.
