It’s a wild world out there, friends, especially with all the hustle and bustle of daily life—who has the time for anything fancy? But when it comes to tacos, let’s just say magic happens.
Picture this: sizzling ground beef, a symphony of spices, and all nestled in a cozy tortilla.
It’s like a warm hug on a Tuesday night.
Steps
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Mix in chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, tomato paste, and water with the cooked beef. Stir the mixture well and let it cook over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Warm tortillas by heating them in a microwave, oven, or on a skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side. This will make them soft and pliable.
- Serve the cooked beef mixture on top of the warm tortillas. Add toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and red onions, or any other desired toppings.
- Store any leftover taco meat in an airtight container for up to four days. To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent the meat from drying out.
- For freezing, let the taco meat cool completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably 90% lean)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (Mexican oregano if available)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup water (or substitute with tomato sauce)
- 8 corn or flour tortillas
- Finely chopped lettuce
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar cheese
- Chopped tomatoes
- Chopped red onions
Nutritional Values
Calories: 142kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 236mg | Potassium: 304mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 216IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 2mg | Total Recipe Nutrition: N/A
FAQ
- What type of ground beef is ideal for taco recipes?
- For the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to use ground beef that is 90% lean. If the meat is any leaner, it might turn out too dry. Conversely, if it has more fat, be sure to drain the excess fat after cooking the beef and before adding the seasonings.
- How can I make tacos low in carbohydrates?
- The ground beef taco filling itself is low in carbs, so you can opt for low-carb tortillas or skip the tortillas entirely. Consider serving the taco meat as a salad or in a taco bowl to keep it low-carb.
- What quantity of taco meat should be prepared per individual?
- When using a standard 6-inch tortilla or a hard taco shell, around 2-3 tablespoons of taco meat per taco is recommended. Depending on the amount of additional toppings used, a pound of beef could serve approximately 8 to 12 people.
- What is a simple way to prevent the taco meat from drying out?
- To ensure the meat stays moist, cook it with the seasoning and liquid over medium-low heat until the sauce just begins to thicken. Keep a close watch to avoid drying out the meat. If reheating, add a splash of water to maintain moisture.
- Are there any alternatives for the ingredients in this recipe?
- While following the original recipe yields the best results, there are some substitutions you can make. For instance, you can use tomato sauce in place of tomato paste and water, and paprika instead of chili powder.
Tips
- Monitor the Sauce Consistency: When cooking the taco meat, be careful not to overcook it once you add the sauce. Keep the heat on medium-low and watch for the sauce to thicken, ensuring it doesn’t dry out the meat.
- Warm the Tortillas: To make your tacos more enjoyable, heat the tortillas before adding the fillings. This can be done in the microwave, oven, or on a skillet for 1-2 minutes each side, making them softer and less prone to breaking.
- Enhance Flavor with Onions: For a deeper, more savory taste, consider cooking onions until softened before adding the ground beef. This step is optional but can significantly enhance the flavor of your taco meat.
- Reheating Leftovers: If you have leftover taco meat, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, add a splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent the meat from drying out.
Equipment
- Skillet – A high-quality skillet for browning the ground beef and cooking the taco meat mixture.
- Airtight Storage Containers – For storing any leftover taco meat.
- Freezer-safe Storage Containers or Ziplock Bags – If you plan to freeze the taco meat for future use.
