Mexican > Tacos

Queso Lesaca Tacos Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (4 oz.) diced green chilies, drained
- 1/2 cup Queso Lesaca cheese, shredded
- 8 taco shells
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, sour cream

Special equipment needed:
- Skillet
- Cheese grater

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Add diced tomatoes and green chilies to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
7. While the beef mixture is simmering, preheat the oven to 350°F.
8. Place taco shells on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
9. Remove taco shells from the oven and fill each one with the beef mixture.
10. Top each taco with shredded Queso Lesaca cheese and any optional toppings desired.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Skillet: Medium-high heat
Oven: 350°F
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4 people, with 2 tacos per person.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 450
Fat per serving: 25g
Carbohydrates per serving: 28g
Protein per serving: 28g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- Any type of shredded cheese can be used instead of Queso Lesaca cheese.

Variations:
- Add black beans or corn to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Use soft tortillas instead of hard taco shells for a different texture.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain the diced tomatoes and green chilies before adding them to the skillet to prevent the beef mixture from becoming too watery.
- To make the tacos even more flavorful, add a squeeze of lime juice to the beef mixture before serving.

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

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Reheat the taco shells in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the tacos on a platter and garnish with chopped cilantro for a pop of color.

Garnishes:
Shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, and sour cream are all great toppings for these tacos.

Pairings:
Serve these tacos with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.

Suggested side dishes:
Mexican rice and refried beans

Troubleshooting advice:
If the beef mixture becomes too watery, try draining some of the liquid off before serving.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
Queso Lesaca cheese is a type of Mexican cheese that is similar to queso fresco. It is named after the town of Lesaca in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico.

Flavor profiles:
These tacos have a spicy and smoky flavor from the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. The Queso Lesaca cheese adds a creamy and slightly tangy flavor.

Serving suggestions:
Serve these tacos with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.

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Region: Mexican

Taste: Savory, Spicy, Tangy, Cheesy, Herby