Ground Beef (or Turkey) Tacos
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
12 tacos
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Calories
146 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Ground Beef (or Turkey) Tacos
Description
This taco recipe starts by mixing a homemade seasoning blend of chili powder, oregano, paprika, cumin, onion and garlic powders, salt, and optional cayenne pepper to give depth and mild heat to ground beef or turkey. The ground meat is cooked thoroughly and broken into small pieces in a skillet, with excess liquids drained.
The seasoning mix and water are added to create a sauce that thickly coats the meat, and the mixture is cooked further to meld flavors. The meat filling is served hot in taco shells heated according to package directions or soft tortillas. Toppings such as sour cream, fresh salsa, shredded lettuce, pickled jalapeños, and shredded cheddar cheese add texture, freshness, and creamy or spicy accents.
This dish provides a straightforward yet flavorful option for assembling tacos with control over seasoning and heat by adjusting the spice blend amounts or toppings. Using kosher salt is recommended for accurate seasoning, with caution advised when substituting table salt due to its greater saltiness.
Ingredients
Seasoning Mix:
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 ¼ teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 ¼ teaspoons oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon sweet paprika or smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon cumin ground
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, or red pepper flakes
Tacos:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- ½ cup water
- 12 taco shells crisped up in the oven according to package directions, or 12 taco-sized flour tortillas for soft tacos
- toppings such as sour cream, salsa, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, pickled jalapenos, and grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients for the seasoning mix in a bowl. Set aside.
- Heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and break it up with a wooden spoon. Stir the meat continuously, breaking it up into small pieces, until it is cooked through, a few minutes. Drain off any extra liquid that accumulates.
- Add the seasoning mix and water, starting with about ½ cup and then adding more as needed until it creates a thick sauce that just coats the meat, cooking it another minute or two. Remove from the heat and serve with the taco shells and your choice of toppings.
Notes
- This recipe uses kosher salt, which is less salty than table salt; if substituting with table salt, reduce the amount to prevent oversalting.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12tacos
Amount Per Serving
Calories 146 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1taco (made with beef) | |
| Calories | 146kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 24mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 185mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 59mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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