Craving that delicious Tomalito you love from Chevy's? Forget the drive-through and the wait – let's make it at home! This recipe recreates the vibrant flavors and satisfying texture of Chevy's famous Tomalito, bringing a taste of Mexico straight to your kitchen. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend cooking project. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade, healthy, and delicious food!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for even the busiest home cooks.
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For the Tomalitos:
- 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with turkey or chicken for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10-ounce) can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
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For Serving:
- 12 corn tortillas
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or Mexican crema
- Your favorite hot sauce (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions: Easy as 1, 2, 3!
Let's get cooking! Follow these simple steps to recreate the magic of Chevy's Tomalito.
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Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, until softened.
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Simmer the Filling: Stir in the diced tomatoes (both cans), chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir in the corn and cilantro during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
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Warm the Tortillas: While the filling simmers, warm the corn tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat, in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel, or even in the oven.
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Assemble and Serve: Fill each warmed tortilla with a generous spoonful of the beef and corn mixture. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema, and your favorite hot sauce, if desired.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Tomalitos
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of chili powder to your preferred level of spiciness. A dash of cayenne pepper adds extra heat.
- Veggie Boost: Add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the filling for a healthier and more flavorful twist.
- Cheese Please: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
Variations: Make it Your Own!
- Chicken Tomalito: Replace the ground beef with cooked and shredded chicken breast for a lighter option.
- Vegetarian Tomalito: Omit the beef and add black beans, kidney beans, or other vegetables for a hearty vegetarian filling.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate):
This information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients used. It's always best to use a nutrition calculator for precise values.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 20-25 grams
- Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30 grams
Enjoy your homemade Chevy's-inspired Tomalitos! They’re a quick, easy, and delicious meal the whole family will love. Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!