Tacos—oh, those delightful little pockets of joy—have a way of transforming any meal into an adventure. With ground beef at the heart, napa cabbage offering a crisp twist, and guacamole adding that creamy, dreamy finish, these tacos aren’t just food. They’re a celebration on a plate, like a surprise party you didn’t know you needed but now can’t live without.
Steps
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add ground beef and cook until browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, tomato paste, and water. Mix well and continue cooking over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Warm tortillas using your preferred method: microwave, oven, or skillet, for 1-2 minutes per side. This will make them soft and less likely to break.
- Serve the cooked beef mixture warm over the prepared tortillas. Top with finely chopped lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and red onions, or any other preferred toppings.
- Store leftover taco meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
- For freezing, allow the taco meat to cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably 90% lean)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water (or substitute with tomato sauce)
- 8 corn or flour tortillas
- Lettuce, finely chopped
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar cheese
- Tomatoes, chopped
- Red onions, chopped
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
FAQ
- What type of ground beef is recommended for tacos?
- A 90% lean ground beef is ideal for making tacos as it offers a good balance of flavor and moisture. If you opt for a less lean variety, ensure you drain the excess fat after cooking to avoid greasy tacos.
- How can I make my tacos low in carbohydrates?
- The ground beef taco filling itself is low-carb. To keep the dish low-carb, use low-carb tortillas or serve the mixture as a taco salad or in a taco bowl without the tortillas.
- How much taco meat should I prepare per person?
- Typically, you’ll need about 2-3 tablespoons of taco meat per taco when using a standard 6-inch tortilla or taco shell. Therefore, one pound of ground beef can generally serve between 8 and 12 people, depending on how many additional toppings you use.
- Can I freeze leftover taco meat, and how should I store it?
- Yes, you can freeze leftover taco meat. First, let it cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw and reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of water to maintain its moisture.
- What are some common substitutes for the ingredients in this taco recipe?
- You can replace tomato paste and water with tomato sauce. If chili powder is unavailable, paprika can be used as a substitute.
Tips
- To ensure your taco meat remains juicy and doesn’t dry out, cook the beef with the seasoning and liquid over medium-low heat just until the sauce starts to thicken. Keep a close watch to prevent overcooking.
- Warm your tortillas before serving. Whether using a microwave, oven, or skillet, heat them for 1-2 minutes per side to make them soft and pliable, reducing the chance of them breaking.
- Enhance the flavor of your taco meat by adding onions. Sauté the onions until soft before introducing the ground beef, or use onion powder as a convenient alternative for added depth.
- If you’re aiming for a low-carb meal, consider using low-carb tortillas or serve the seasoned beef as a taco salad or in a bowl without tortillas.
Equipment
- Skillet – A good quality skillet is essential for browning the ground beef and cooking the taco meat.
- Spice Rack or Organizer – Useful for storing and organizing various spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, etc.
- Airtight Storage Containers – For storing leftover taco meat in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Measuring Spoons – For accurately measuring spices and other ingredients.
- Silicone Spatula or Spoon – For stirring the ground beef and seasoning mixture in the skillet.
