Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 12 taco shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Tongs
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes.
4. Add chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Pour in tomato sauce and water and stir to combine.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F.
8. Place taco shells on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes.
9. Using tongs, fill each taco shell with a spoonful of the ground beef mixture.
10. Top each taco with shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, and chopped fresh cilantro.
11. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
This recipe serves 6 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 340
Total fat: 20g
Saturated fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 540mg
Total carbohydrates: 19g
Dietary fiber: 3g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 22g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
- Taco shells can be substituted with soft tortillas or lettuce wraps.
- Shredded lettuce can be substituted with shredded cabbage or spinach.
- Shredded cheddar cheese can be substituted with shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese.
- Diced tomatoes can be substituted with salsa or pico de gallo.
Variations:
- Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Top tacos with sour cream or guacamole.
- Use ground chicken and add diced pineapple for a tropical twist.
- Use ground pork and add diced apples for a sweet and savory flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to use a large skillet to cook the ground beef mixture to prevent overcrowding.
- Use tongs to fill the taco shells to prevent them from breaking.
- Customize toppings to your liking.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover ground beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat leftover ground beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve tacos on a platter with lime wedges on the side.
- Arrange toppings in separate bowls for a DIY taco bar.
Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Pairings:
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Corn on the cob
Suggested side dishes:
- Chips and salsa
- Guacamole
- Black bean salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the ground beef mixture is too dry, add more water or tomato sauce.
- If the taco shells break, use soft tortillas or lettuce wraps instead.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Tacos originated in Mexico and have been a popular dish in the United States since the early 20th century.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory
- Spicy
- Tangy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve tacos with a cold beer or margarita.
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Region: Mexican