Another kid friendly meal for the month, and this one is a real plate licker. In case you haven’t heard, dad is gone for the month, that leaves mom looking for simple dinners that don’t have anyone turning up their noses. While dad is living the high life in Dubai and Bier trinken und feiern fur Fasching/Karneval en Deutschland. I’m sure we will all have a good meal this evening.
Now put that seasoning packet away and nobody gets hurt. You know who you are, the one there with the Taco Bell seasoning packet. Those were great in High School when you barely knew how to boil water, but come on you are more advanced now, toss it in the trash. It is laden with sodium and who knows what else.
Making tasty tacos is easy. This version is close to the Mexican-American style we grew up with here in the Pacific Northwest. In Mexico however they have a different idea what a taco should be, post for a later date. What makes these different is the condiments. I try to up the nutritional value by swapping out the iceberg lettuce for spinach or baby mixed lettuces, the tasteless mild cheddar cheese for feta or queso fresco or even a sharp farmhouse cheddar. You need a lot less cheese if you use a tastier version. Cheese can be totally optional. Tomatoes I include when they are in season, otherwise a good salsa is better.
Sometimes I even make them for tapas night, and rarely are there ever any left-overs. Too bad because they would taste great in a taco salad for lunch the next day or enchiladas for dinner.
I buy my chili powder in the Mexican section of the supermarket where they sell different kinds in bags. It is very cheap and you can get a variety of the different ones. I usually keep the separate in old spice bottles, they can be hot or mild or somewhere in between. My friend Cindy mixes them altogether and uses them that way. Whatever floats your boat. When you are there in the Mexican section do not forget to buy Mexican oregano, it is different than the Mediterranean variety and only costs a few cents. Feel free to use any combination of chili powders, play with it or go with the old standby. Just make sure that it is still fresh and fragrant.
1 lb ground lean beef or buffalo
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 Tbsp of any mix of chili powder (most chili powders are mild, taste as you go)
pinch of chili flakes (here is heat)
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp oregano, Mexican or Mediterranean, crush in your fingers before adding
few shakes of hot sauce, too taste or a splash of vinegar
salt & pepper to taste
1/2 cup water, chicken stock, wine, juice from diced tomatoes
14 oz can tomato puree or diced tomatoes, optional
14 oz can black beans, optional
1 pkg crunchy taco shells or tortillas
condiments:
avocado
diced tomato
lettuce greens
cheese
hot sauce
Brown the meat in a large pan over med high heat, until almost cooked through. Add the onion and garlic, saute until fragrant and translucent. Add the chili powder, chili flakes, cumin, oregano, hot sauce. Stir well. Add the liquid, tomatoes and beans, if using. Bring to a boil. Stirring occasionally, simmer for 10-20 minutes until liquid is thick and reduced. If you want it thicker add a tbsp or two of corn meal to help absorb the excess liquid.
Serve with tortillas or other flat breads, crunchy taco shells or piled on top of a salad or nachos.
Now party like it’s Cinco de Mayo
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
We spy blue corn tortillas? Fab!
Those tacos look really good!
I’m excited to try buffalo meat. I’m wondering if my family would be able to detect the substitution! These look great
sorry to everyone who posted a comment, they must have gotten lost in blogger somewhere, I don’t have comment moderation turned on. I just found them lurking about today.
@The Duo Dishes, yep blue corn! They are yummy and look cool!
@Kevin Thanks a bunch!
@Recipe Girl, they won’t detect a thing. There are less calories in buffalo vs beef and less fat too.
Where did you get the blue corn tortillas around here???
Looks even better than chorizo, and that’s saying a lot. That’s what I call a meal.