Mexican > Tacos

Horseshoe Tacos Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
- 1/2 cup water
- 8-10 taco shells
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

4. Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.

5. Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, green chilies, and water to the skillet and stir to combine.

6. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.

7. While the beef mixture is cooking, place the taco shells on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, until heated through.

8. To assemble the horseshoe tacos, place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the bottom of each taco shell.

9. Top the beef mixture with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese.

10. Return the tacos to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

11. Remove the tacos from the oven and top each one with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
This recipe makes 8-10 horseshoe tacos.

Nutritional information:
Calories: 320
Total Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 580mg
Total Carbohydrates: 21g
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 22g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground beef.
- Any type of shredded cheese can be used in place of cheddar cheese.
- Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream.

Variations:
- Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra flavor and heat.
- Use hard taco shells instead of soft shells for a crunchier texture.
- Top the tacos with sliced avocado or guacamole for added creaminess.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to heat the taco shells in the oven before assembling the tacos to prevent them from breaking.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove excess liquid from the beef mixture before assembling the tacos to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Serve with lime wedges for a burst of citrus flavor.

Storage instructions:
Leftover horseshoe tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the tacos on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the horseshoe tacos on a platter with a side of salsa and tortilla chips for dipping.

Garnishes:
Garnish the tacos with sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or chopped green onions for added color and flavor.

Pairings:
Serve the tacos with a side of Mexican rice or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Suggested side dishes:
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Corn on the cob
- Grilled vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the beef mixture is too thick, add more water to thin it out.
- If the cheese is not melting, place the tacos under the broiler for a few minutes to melt the cheese.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftover tacos in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food history:
Horseshoe tacos are a twist on traditional tacos, named for their horseshoe shape. They originated in the Midwest and are typically made with ground beef, cheese sauce, and french fries.

Flavor profiles:
Horseshoe tacos are savory and slightly spicy, with a creamy and cheesy texture.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the tacos with a cold beer or a margarita for a refreshing drink pairing.

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Taste: Savory, Spicy, Tangy, Cheesy, Crunchy