Craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further than these Carne Picada Tacos! This easy recipe delivers a burst of authentic Mexican taste, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend fiesta. Forget complicated cooking; this recipe is all about simple ingredients and bold flavors that come together beautifully. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this fantastic addition to your healthy meals repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a leaner alternative like turkey or chicken)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 corn or flour tortillas
- Toppings of your choice (shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, etc.)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the flavor base of your delicious dish.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. This ensures a leaner, healthier meal.
Step 3: Simmer the Carne Picada
Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), green chilies, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the flavors have melded and the sauce has slightly thickened. This slow simmering develops the rich, savory character of the Carne Picada.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
While the Carne Picada simmers, warm the tortillas according to package directions. You can heat them in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven – whichever method you prefer. Warm tortillas are essential for the best taco experience!
Step 5: Assemble and Enjoy!
Fill each tortilla with the Carne Picada and your favorite toppings. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious results of your homemade cooking. These quick dinner ideas are always a hit!
Cooking Tips for the Best Carne Picada Tacos:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Add some veggies: Include chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.
- Make it a fiesta: Serve with all the fixings – shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, guacamole, sour cream, and your favorite salsa.
- Prep ahead: The Carne Picada can be made ahead of time and reheated, making this recipe even more convenient.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-400 (depending on toppings and type of ground meat)
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
These easy recipes are perfect for busy weeknights, and the nutritional information provides valuable insight into the dish's health benefits.
Variations:
- Spicy Carne Picada: Add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the skillet along with the onion and garlic for a spicier kick.
- Vegetarian Carne Picada: Substitute the ground beef with seasoned lentils or crumbled vegetarian chorizo for a delicious meat-free option.
- Breakfast Tacos: Use the Carne Picada as a filling for breakfast tacos, adding scrambled eggs and cheese for a hearty morning meal.
This Carne Picada Taco recipe is a versatile and satisfying meal that’s easy to customize to your liking. Enjoy the process of creating this delicious dish and the satisfaction of sharing it with friends and family! It's one of the best recipes for those who appreciate both flavor and simplicity.