EASY CHEESY BEEF TACOS
Prepare yourself for a delightful treat with these crispy and cheesy Ground Beef Tacos. These tacos are a delicious tribute to the beloved tacos my mom would make whenever we wanted a change from her traditional Arab dishes. Inspired by her recipe, these tacos feature perfectly seasoned ground beef, wrapped in crispy tortillas, and topped with melty cheddar and mozzarella cheese. It’s a simple yet satisfying dinner that everyone loves, even the pickiest eaters!
CHEESY BEEF TACOS
Get ready to indulge in these crispy and cheesy Ground Beef Tacos, a tasty tribute to the beloved tacos my mom would make whenever we wanted a change from her traditional Arab dishes. Inspired by her recipe, these tacos are filled with perfectly seasoned ground beef, wrapped in a crispy tortilla, and loaded with melty Monterey Jack cheese. It’s the simplest dinner that everyone loves, even the pickiest eaters!
THE BEEF FILLING
Mastering the art of making juicy and flavorful spiced ground beef is a kitchen essential! This versatile recipe can be used for homemade tacos, crunch wrap supremes, taco salads, and more.
Begin by heating a pan over medium heat and adding a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the minced meat. As the beef begins to sizzle, sprinkle in a blend of meat spices, salt, pepper and garlic powder to create a rich taco seasoning.
Break up the beef with a spatula or wooden spoon and mix in the spices thoroughly. Once the meat is browned and cooked through, stir in tomato sauce for juiciness and freshness. For a saucier beef, add a splash of beef broth. Mix well, then remove from heat.
There are many variations you can try to customize this spiced ground beef recipe to suit different tastes and cuisines. Here are some possible variations:
Meat Variations
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Replace meat with plant-based alternatives like textured vegetable protein (TVP), tofu crumbles, or lentils.
Additional Ingredients
- Vegetables: Add diced onions, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms while cooking the beef for added texture and nutrition.
- Beans: Stir in black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Corn: Add fresh or canned corn kernels for a sweet crunch.
Sauces and Liquids
- Salsa: Replace tomato sauce with salsa for a spicier kick.
- Hot Sauce: Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to spice things up.
- Beer: Use a splash of beer instead of beef broth for a unique flavor twist.
Garnishes and Finishes
- Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco at the end.
- Herbs: Finish with fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or mint for a burst of freshness.
- Lime Juice: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the cooked beef for a tangy finish.
COOKING AND ASSEMBLING THE TACOS
Now that the ground beef is ready, it’s time to assemble our tacos! The larger your pan, the quicker and easier this process will be.
Prep Your Tortillas
Heat a pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add your tortillas. I prefer small flour tortillas, but you can use corn tortillas if you like.
Cheese, Please
On one half of your tortilla, spoon a generous amount of the flavorful ground beef mixture. Then, sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. You can mix in some Monterey Jack cheese or use a Mexican cheese blend if you prefer.
Fold and Toast
Fold the other half of the tortilla over to encase the beef and cheese. Toast in the pan until one side is golden brown, then flip and toast the other side. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy exterior.
Top it Off
Once your taco is crispy and the cheese is melty, remove it from the heat and add your favorite toppings. Think creamy avocado slices, crisp shredded lettuce, juicy tomatoes, tangy sour cream, and a few pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick. Get creative with your toppings – onions and cilantro, guacamole, corn, salsa, etc.
And there you have it – a deliciously crispy, cheesy ground beef taco bursting with flavor. Grab a napkin, because things are about to get messy in the best possible way. I love to enjoy these tacos with a squeeze of lime on top and burger sauce on the side for dipping.
If you’ve given this recipe a try and it won you over, please share your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below! If you have any questions about this recipe, don’t hesitate to ask – I’m here to help and will respond promptly.
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EASY CHEESY BEEF TACOS
Ingredients
THE BEEF FILLING
- 400 g ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp meat spices
- Salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
THE ASSEMBLY
- Flour or corn tortillas
- Shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese
- Tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Avocado
- Chopped cilantro
- Pickled Jalapeños
- Sour cream
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a pan over medium heat, add the olive oil and ground beef.
- Add all the spices (meat spices, garlic powder, salt and pepper). Mix well and let it cook. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break up the meat completely.
- Once the meat is browned and finely minced, stir in the tomato sauce and mix well, then remove from heat.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil once hot.
- Place as many tortillas as can fit into the pan. On one half of each tortilla, add the ground beef and shredded cheese.
- Fold the tortillas over to close and toast until golden brown. Flip and repeat on the other side until both sides are crispy.
- Remove from heat, open the tacos, and stuff with your favorite veggies and taco toppings like sour cream, lettuce, guacamole, tomatoes, and jalapeños. Enjoy!