Taco Compuesto

Taco Compuesto Recipe - Authentic Mexican Taco with Ground Beef and Cheese

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Taco Compuesto is a delicious and satisfying Mexican dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. This recipe combines seasoned ground beef with fresh vegetables and cheese, all served in crispy taco shells. It's a crowd-pleaser that is sure to become a family favorite.

History

Taco Compuesto has its origins in traditional Mexican cuisine, where tacos are a popular street food enjoyed by people of all ages. The combination of seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and cheese in a crispy taco shell is a classic recipe that has been passed down through generations.

Ingredients

0.75 lb (340 g) lean ground beef
0.5 cup chopped onion
2 tbsp diced green chile peppers (canned)
1 clove garlic
1 tsp chili powder
1.5 cup chopped tomato
3 tbsp reduced-calorie italian salad dressing
0.5 tsp seasoned salt
8 taco shells
1 cup lettuce
1 cup low-calorie processed cheese or part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded or a mixture of both
0.5 cup taco sauce

How to prepare

In a large skillet, cook ground beef, chopped onions, green chili pepper, and minced garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned.
Drain off the fat.
Stir in chili powder.
In a mixing bowl, combine chopped tomato, Italian salad dressing, and seasoned salt. Spoon the beef mixture into taco shells.
Top with the tomato mixture, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, and taco sauce.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, or by adding different vegetables such as bell peppers or corn.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain off any excess fat after cooking the ground beef to keep the dish light and healthy.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite toppings, such as avocado, sour cream, or salsa.

- To make this dish vegetarian, you can substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or black beans.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Taco Compuesto with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Taco Compuesto is to cook the ground beef until it is browned and flavorful, and to season it well with chili powder and seasoned salt.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have taco shells, you can serve the beef mixture over a bed of lettuce for a low-carb option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the tacos.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Taco Compuesto on a platter with all the toppings arranged neatly for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Taco Compuesto pairs well with a cold beer or a refreshing glass of iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Taco Compuesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Taco Compuesto contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Taco Compuesto contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Taco Compuesto contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Taco Compuesto contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Taco Compuesto is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and gluten (taco shells).

Summary

Taco Compuesto is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a family dinner.

Summary

Taco Compuesto is a delicious and satisfying Mexican dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With its flavorful seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, and cheese, all served in crispy taco shells, it's a crowd-pleaser that is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Mexico. My grandmother, Mama Rosa, was known far and wide for her incredible cooking. She could whip up the most delicious dishes with just a few simple ingredients.

One day, Mama Rosa took me under her wing and decided it was time for me to learn the family secrets. She handed me an old, tattered cookbook that had been passed down through generations. As I flipped through the pages, I came across a recipe for Taco Compuesto that caught my eye.

Mama Rosa smiled as she saw the excitement in my eyes. She explained that Taco Compuesto was a special dish that was traditionally made for celebrations and fiestas. It was a combination of all my favorite things - crispy tortillas, savory meat, spicy salsa, and creamy guacamole.

Mama Rosa guided me through each step of the recipe, teaching me the importance of using fresh ingredients and taking my time to let the flavors meld together. She showed me how to season the meat just right, how to fry the tortillas until they were golden and crispy, and how to layer all the ingredients together to create a masterpiece.

As we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor, Mama Rosa watched me with pride as I took my first bite of the Taco Compuesto. The flavors exploded in my mouth, bringing back memories of all the fiestas and celebrations we had shared together. I knew in that moment that this recipe would be one that I would cherish forever.

Over the years, I have made Mama Rosa's Taco Compuesto countless times, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. I have shared it with friends and family, always receiving rave reviews. It has become a staple in my own cooking repertoire, a dish that brings people together and fills their hearts with joy.

I have learned that cooking is not just about following a recipe, but about infusing love and passion into each dish. Mama Rosa taught me that the secret ingredient in any recipe is the love that you put into it. And that is something that I will always carry with me, both in the kitchen and in life.

So as I sit here, reminiscing about that special day when I first discovered the recipe for Taco Compuesto, I am filled with gratitude for Mama Rosa and all that she has taught me. Her legacy lives on in every dish that I create, and I know that she is looking down on me with pride as I continue to share her love of cooking with the world. And for that, I will always be grateful.