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If you’re craving bold flavors wrapped in a perfectly soft shell, this Beef Tacos with Peach Vinegar Slaw Recipe is exactly what you need. The juicy, spiced ground beef pairs amazingly with a crisp, tangy slaw featuring a bright hit of peach cider vinegar, creating a refreshing twist on classic tacos. It’s a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that’s quick to prepare and packs a delicious punch with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to nailing this Beef Tacos with Peach Vinegar Slaw Recipe. Each component adds unique flavor, texture, or color, making the final dish truly stand out while keeping things delightfully simple.
- 8 soft shell tacos: The perfect vessel to hold all those juicy, flavorful fillings without overpowering them.
- 1–1.5 lbs ground beef: A lean or medium-fat ground beef works best for a juicy, savory base.
- 1/2 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup): Adds sweetness and depth as it softens in the skillet.
- 2 tsp paprika: Brings warmth and a hint of smokiness to the meat.
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin: Essential for that earthy, slightly nutty flavor that defines taco seasoning.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Boosts the savory notes in the beef mixture.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a deeper smoked flavor that elevates the overall taste.
- 3/4 tsp salt: Enhances and balances the flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a mild heat and sharpness to the beef.
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper: A subtle kick that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
- 2 tomatoes, grated (or 2 tbsp tomato paste mixed with 1/4 cup water): Infuses the filling with fresh brightness and moisture.
- Olive oil. For sautéing the onion and beef to golden perfection.
- 1 bag coleslaw mix (16 oz): A crunchy, colorful base for the peach vinegar slaw.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Brings creaminess and helps bind the slaw ingredients together.
- 1 jalapeno, diced: Adds a fresh, spicy zing to the slaw that contrasts beautifully with the rich beef.
- 2 tbsp peach cider vinegar (or apple cider vinegar): The star of the slaw, giving it a fruity tanginess that makes this recipe unique.
- Handful of cilantro, finely chopped: Brightens everything up with its herbal aroma and vibrant color.
- Salt & pepper to taste. To balance all the flavors just right.
How to Make Beef Tacos with Peach Vinegar Slaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the beef filling
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding a drizzle of olive oil. Toss in the diced yellow onion and sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This foundational step builds a delicious flavor base that the beef will absorb beautifully.
Step 2: Brown the beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even browning. Stir frequently so it cooks through and takes on a lovely sear. The caramelization here unlocks all those mouthwatering meaty flavors you look forward to in a taco.
Step 3: Add tomatoes and spices
Once the beef is nearly cooked, mix in the grated tomatoes or the tomato paste mixture along with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer on medium heat for about 8 to 10 minutes. This allows the spices to meld perfectly with the beef, creating a rich, hearty filling. Taste and adjust the salt as needed to suit your preference.
Step 4: Make the peach vinegar slaw
While the beef simmers, it’s time to whip up that knockout slaw. In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, peach cider vinegar, diced jalapeno, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands to massage the ingredients together thoroughly—this tenderizes the cabbage just enough and helps all the flavors marry into a vibrant, tangy slaw that’s simply irresistible.
Step 5: Warm the tortillas
To bring these tacos to life, warm the soft shell tortillas over an open flame or on a dry skillet. This step creates slight char marks and adds a smoky aroma, enhancing both flavor and texture.
Step 6: Assemble the tacos
Fill each warmed tortilla generously with the seasoned beef mixture, then top with a heap of the peach vinegar slaw. Serve immediately for the best contrast of warm, juicy beef and crisp, tangy slaw. Add hot sauce or fresh squeezed lime for an extra burst of flavor if you like.
How to Serve Beef Tacos with Peach Vinegar Slaw Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh lime wedges, extra chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapenos make fantastic garnishes. They add a fresh, zesty finish that brightens each bite and invites everyone to customize their tacos just how they like.
Side Dishes
These tacos pair wonderfully with simple sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or even grilled corn on the cob. A light cucumber salad or chips and guacamole can round out the meal while keeping it fresh and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not elevate your taco night by serving the beef filling and peach vinegar slaw separately? Set up a taco bar with all the toppings, letting guests build their own creations. Or, turn these into taco bowls by layering the beef and slaw over rice and beans for a fun twist on presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover beef filling and peach vinegar slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the slaw crisp and the beef flavorful for up to 3 days, preventing sogginess and loss of texture.
Freezing
The beef filling can be frozen for up to 2 months in a sealed container. However, the peach vinegar slaw is best enjoyed fresh and should not be frozen, as the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and lose its texture upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the beef gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until just warmed through. Add the slaw fresh after reheating to keep its crunch and tang intact, ensuring your Beef Tacos with Peach Vinegar Slaw Recipe tastes as fantastic as the first time.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of beef in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or even shredded rotisserie chicken works well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly and season the meat similarly for that same rich flavor profile.
What can I substitute if I don’t have peach cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is a great substitute that keeps the tangy brightness. If you want a fruitier note, a splash of white wine vinegar mixed with a little peach jam could also work in a pinch.
How spicy is the peach vinegar slaw?
The slaw has a mild to medium heat level, thanks to the diced jalapeno. You can easily dial it up or down by adjusting the amount or removing the seeds for less spice.
Can I make the slaw vegan?
Yes! Swap the mayonnaise for a plant-based or vegan mayo alternative, and you’ll have a tangy, creamy slaw that fits perfectly into a vegan diet without losing any flavor.
What are some good toppings for these tacos?
Fresh avocado slices, crumbled queso fresco, extra cilantro, radish slices, or pickled red onions all add wonderful texture and flavor to complement the beef and peach vinegar slaw.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Tacos with Peach Vinegar Slaw Recipe is one of those dishes that feel both comforting and exciting at the same time. The juicy, spice-kissed beef combined with that crisp, fruity slaw create a balance you’ll want to make again and again. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I love eating it—dinner plans just got a whole lot more delicious!
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Beef Tacos with Peach Vinegar Slaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Beef Tacos with Peach Vinegar Slaw combine savory, well-spiced ground beef with a tangy, refreshing coleslaw featuring peach cider vinegar for a unique twist. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual get-together, offering a balance of spicy, smoky, and bright flavors wrapped in warm soft tortillas.
Ingredients
Beef Filling
- 8 soft shell tacos
- 1 to 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 heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and translucent, which helps build the flavor base for your beef filling.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook while stirring frequently until the meat is browned evenly and no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the grated tomatoes or tomato paste mixture along with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix everything well to ensure the spices coat the meat. Continue cooking over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and flavors meld together. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Make the Peach Vinegar Slaw: While the beef cooks, place the coleslaw mix into a large bowl. Add mayonnaise, peach cider vinegar, diced jalapeno, chopped cilantro, and salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands or salad tongs to massage and toss the ingredients thoroughly, allowing the dressing to evenly coat the slaw mix for a bright, tangy finish.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the soft shell tacos over an open flame, on a grill, or in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side until just warmed and slightly charred if desired. This step enhances the texture and flavor of the tortillas.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture onto each warmed tortilla, then top generously with the peach vinegar slaw. Serve immediately, optionally adding hot sauce and a squeeze of fresh lime for extra zest.
Notes
- You can substitute apple cider vinegar if peach cider vinegar is unavailable, but peach adds a unique sweetness.
- Adjust the level of cayenne and jalapeno according to your preferred spice tolerance.
- Grated fresh tomatoes can be replaced with tomato paste and water if needed, but fresh tomatoes give a brighter flavor.
- To save time, the beef filling can be made ahead and reheated.
- Use gluten-free soft tortillas if you need to make this recipe gluten free.
