Mexican Skillet Tacos

Mexican Skillet Tacos Recipe - Pork, Onion, Garlic, and Brown Rice

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Mexican Skillet Tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine with the convenience of a one-pan meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful and satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

History

Skillet tacos have been a popular dish in Mexican cuisine for many years. The combination of seasoned meat, rice, and salsa cooked together in a skillet creates a flavorful and hearty meal that is loved by many. This recipe puts a twist on the traditional skillet taco by using turkey sausage instead of ground beef, making it a healthier option without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

0.75 lb (340 g) of pork or turkey sausage
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 package (1.25 to 1.5 oz or 43 g) of dry taco seasoning mix
3 cups of cooked brown rice
1 cup of prepared salsa or picante sauce
6 flour tortillas or 6 hard taco shells
assorted condiments such as tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, and sour cream

How to prepare

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot.
Cook the sausage and the contents of the seasoning packet for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring to break up the sausage into small pieces.
Stir in the rice and salsa.
Serve the mixture in tortillas or taco shells with condiments.

Variations

Use ground beef or chicken instead of turkey sausage.
Add black beans or corn to the mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Top the tacos with shredded cheese, guacamole, or salsa for added taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the turkey sausage thoroughly to ensure it is safe to eat.

- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite toppings such as avocado, cheese, or jalapenos.

- If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add extra taco seasoning or hot sauce to the mixture.

- To save time, you can use pre-cooked rice instead of cooking it from scratch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mexican Skillet Tacos with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making delicious Mexican Skillet Tacos is to cook the turkey sausage until it is browned and cooked through. This will ensure that the meat is flavorful and tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have turkey sausage, you can use ground beef, chicken, or tofu as a substitute. You can also use white rice instead of brown rice if preferred.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the turkey sausage mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture in a skillet and assemble the tacos.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mexican Skillet Tacos on a platter with the taco shells on the side, allowing guests to assemble their own tacos. Garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Mexican Skillet Tacos pair well with a cold beer, margarita, or a glass of sangria. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving them with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Mexican Skillet Tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the tacos until heated through or warm them in a skillet on the stove.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mexican Skillet Tacos contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mexican Skillet Tacos contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mexican Skillet Tacos contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Mexican Skillet Tacos contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Mexican Skillet Tacos are a good source of vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and gluten (taco shells). It may also contain soy depending on the brand of taco seasoning used.

Summary

Mexican Skillet Tacos are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious choice for dinner.

Summary

Mexican Skillet Tacos are a delicious and satisfying meal that is easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. With a flavorful mixture of turkey sausage, rice, and salsa, these tacos are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy them with your favorite toppings and sides for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a joyful one. It was a sunny day in late spring, and I was visiting a dear friend in Mexico City. We were strolling through the bustling streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant city. As we passed by a small street vendor, the tantalizing aroma of sizzling meat and spices caught our attention.

My friend, Maria, insisted that we stop and try the delicious-looking tacos that the vendor was preparing. I was hesitant at first, as I had never been a fan of street food, but Maria assured me that these were unlike any tacos I had ever tasted.

As we bit into the warm, crispy tortillas filled with savory meat and fresh toppings, I was instantly hooked. The flavors were bold and spicy, yet perfectly balanced. I couldn't believe how simple yet delicious these tacos were. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make them myself.

Maria, being the generous soul that she was, convinced the vendor to share his recipe with me. He chuckled and agreed, happy to see a foreigner so enthusiastic about his cuisine. With a piece of scrap paper and a pen, he quickly jotted down the ingredients and instructions for making his famous Mexican Skillet Tacos.

Back home in my own kitchen, I gathered the ingredients and set to work. The recipe was surprisingly easy to follow, as most of the ingredients were ones that I already had on hand. I sautéed the ground beef with onions and garlic, adding a medley of spices such as cumin, chili powder, and paprika. The aroma that filled my kitchen was reminiscent of the bustling streets of Mexico City.

Next, I added diced tomatoes and green chilies to the meat mixture, allowing it to simmer and meld together. The colors and flavors were vibrant and bold, just like the tacos I had tried that day. I couldn't wait to assemble my own skillet tacos and taste the fruits of my labor.

I spooned the meat mixture onto warm flour tortillas, topping them with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. The final touch was a squeeze of lime juice, which added a burst of freshness to each bite. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and took a bite of my homemade Mexican Skillet Taco.

The flavors exploded in my mouth, transporting me back to the streets of Mexico City. The combination of spices, textures, and aromas was nothing short of perfection. I couldn't believe that I had made something so delicious with my own two hands.

From that day on, Mexican Skillet Tacos became a regular staple in my kitchen. I would often make them for family gatherings, impressing my loved ones with the bold flavors and comforting warmth of the dish. I would always think back to that sunny day in Mexico City, where I had discovered a recipe that would become a cherished favorite for years to come.

As time passed, I began to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations. I would sometimes use ground turkey instead of beef, or substitute black beans for a vegetarian option. I even tried making homemade tortillas from scratch, perfecting my technique with each batch.

But no matter how many times I made them or how many variations I tried, the essence of the recipe remained the same. It was a reminder of my love for cooking, my appreciation for different cuisines, and the joy of sharing delicious food with those I cared about.

So here I am, years later, still making Mexican Skillet Tacos and sharing the recipe with anyone who will listen. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that never fails to bring a smile to my face and warmth to my heart. And it all started with a chance encounter on the streets of Mexico City, where a humble street vendor shared his culinary secrets with a curious traveler.