Yumyum
Novice Foodie
Tacos are a versatile and fun meal that everyone loves. This easy taco recipe will show you how to make delicious and customizable tacos at home. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive gathering with friends, let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
For the Taco Meat:
- 1 pound ground beef (or chicken, turkey, or a plant-based alternative)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade, see below)
- 1/2 cup water
Homemade Taco Seasoning (optional):
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For the Tacos:
- 8 small taco shells (soft or hard)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Taco Meat:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef (or alternative) to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Season the Meat:
- If using store-bought taco seasoning, sprinkle it over the cooked meat along with 1/2 cup of water. Stir to combine and let simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- If making homemade taco seasoning, combine all the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl, then add it to the cooked meat along with 1/2 cup of water. Stir and simmer as described above.
- Warm the Taco Shells:
- While the meat is simmering, warm your taco shells according to the package instructions. For soft shells, you can wrap them in foil and heat in the oven, or warm them in a skillet. For hard shells, place them in the oven until crispy.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Fill each taco shell with a spoonful of the seasoned meat.
- Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, salsa, and avocado slices.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime if desired.