Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 8 taco shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup guacamole
- 1/4 cup salsa
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Add cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper and stir to combine.
5. Add tomato sauce and water and stir to combine.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Meanwhile, heat taco shells according to package instructions.
8. To assemble tacos, fill each shell with a spoonful of beef mixture, then top with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
9. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa on the side.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat for cooking beef
- Low heat for simmering beef mixture
Serving size:
- Makes 8 tacos
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 17g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef.
- Any type of cheese can be substituted for cheddar cheese.
- Any type of lettuce can be substituted for shredded lettuce.
- Any type of salsa can be used.
Variations:
- Add diced avocado or jalapeno peppers for extra flavor.
- Use soft tortillas instead of hard taco shells for a different texture.
- Make a vegetarian version by substituting the beef with black beans or tofu.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to break up the ground beef as it cooks to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove excess liquid from the beef mixture before filling the taco shells to prevent them from getting soggy.
- Customize the toppings to your liking.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange tacos on a platter and garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges.
Garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of Mexican rice or beans.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Corn on the cob
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the beef mixture is too dry, add more water or tomato sauce.
- If the taco shells are too crispy, reduce the heating time or wrap them in a damp paper towel before heating.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Tacos are a traditional Mexican dish that have been enjoyed for centuries.
Flavor profiles:
- Spicy, savory, and slightly sweet.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve with a cold beer or margarita for a refreshing drink.
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