Craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that's ready in a flash? Look no further than this Tex-Mex Taco recipe! Forget complicated cooking; this easy recipe delivers big on taste and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun-filled weekend fiesta. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this homemade recipe is guaranteed to impress. Get ready to experience the explosion of flavors that make Tex-Mex cuisine so irresistible!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 4.
- For the seasoned ground beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- For the toppings:
- 12 hard or soft taco shells
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1 avocado, diced
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
- Salsa (your favorite kind!)
Instructions:
Get started:
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. This is a crucial step for achieving that perfect texture!
Season and simmer:
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the beef is well seasoned. Don't rush this step – allowing the flavors to meld is key to delicious tacos!
Assemble your tacos:
-
Warm the taco shells according to package directions. You can do this in a dry skillet, oven, or microwave – choose your preferred method!
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Fill each taco shell with the seasoned ground beef.
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Top with your favorite fixings: cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and salsa.
Tips for Taco Perfection:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the ground beef for an extra kick.
- Get creative with toppings: Don't limit yourself to the suggestions above! Experiment with different cheeses, pickled jalapeños, corn, black beans, or even a fried egg for a truly unique taco experience.
- Make it a meal prep marvel: Prepare the seasoned ground beef ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a super quick dinner later in the week.
- Soft or hard shells? The choice is yours! Both work perfectly with this recipe.
Variations:
- Chicken Tacos: Substitute 1 lb of ground chicken for the ground beef.
- Vegetarian Tacos: Use seasoned black beans or lentils instead of meat for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Sheet Pan Tacos: For an easier cleanup, assemble the tacos on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the ingredients used and serving size. These are estimates for a taco with ground beef, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a small amount of sour cream.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This delicious and easy Tex-Mex Taco recipe is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the incredible flavors and the satisfying simplicity of this quick dinner idea. Happy cooking!