Tacos American-style

Tacos American-style Recipe: Delicious Ground Beef and Cheddar Tacos

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 5

Introduction

Tacos American-style are a popular and delicious dish that combines seasoned ground beef with fresh toppings, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla shell. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

Tacos have been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries, but the American-style taco has its own unique twist. The addition of ingredients like cheddar cheese and lettuce is a nod to American tastes, making this dish a favorite in households across the country.

Ingredients

Taco shells

10 flour tortillas (fajita size)
0.25 cup crisco (all-vegetable shortening)

Meat

1.5 lb (680 g) ground beef
salt and pepper
garlic salt (or powder)

Toppings

1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 cup lettuce (shredded)
0.5 cup tomatoes (diced)

How to prepare

In a frying pan, fry the ground beef.
Season the beef with salt, pepper, and garlic salt.
Drain the beef.
Chop the lettuce and tomatoes, and shred the cheese.
Melt the shortening in the frying pan, and fry the tortillas one at a time.
Once the tortillas are golden brown and crispy, drain them upside down on paper towels.
Fill the tortillas with a few tablespoons of the cooked meat.
Top the tortillas with lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
Serve with ketchup or taco sauce.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter option.
Add sliced avocado or guacamole for a creamy and flavorful topping.
Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the ground beef well with salt, pepper, and garlic salt for maximum flavor.

- Frying the tortillas in vegetable shortening gives them a crispy texture that holds up well to the hearty meat and toppings.

- Be sure to drain the cooked ground beef to remove any excess grease before assembling the tacos.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tacos American-style with a side of Mexican rice and beans for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the tortillas in vegetable shortening gives them a crispy texture that holds up well to the hearty meat and toppings.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have vegetable shortening, you can use vegetable oil or lard as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the seasoned ground beef and toppings ahead of time and assemble the tacos just before serving for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the tacos on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Tacos American-style with a cold beer or a refreshing margarita for a festive and fun meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover seasoned ground beef and toppings in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply warm the beef in a skillet and assemble the tacos with fresh toppings.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tacos American-style contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tacos American-style contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tacos American-style contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Tacos American-style contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Tacos American-style are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and wheat (tortillas).

Summary

Tacos American-style are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Tacos American-style are a delicious and satisfying meal that is easy to make at home. With a crispy tortilla shell, seasoned ground beef, and fresh toppings, these tacos are sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, it left a lasting impression on me. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town in Mexico. I remember walking past a street vendor selling tacos American-style, and the aroma of sizzling meat and spices wafted through the air, tempting my taste buds. I had never seen anything like it before – the crispy shells, the colorful toppings, the mouth-watering fillings. I knew I had to try it.

I approached the vendor and ordered one taco. As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of flavors and textures that I had never experienced before. The crunch of the shell, the tanginess of the salsa, the creaminess of the sour cream – it was a symphony of tastes that danced on my tongue. I was hooked.

I asked the vendor for the recipe, but he just smiled and told me it was a family secret that had been passed down for generations. Undeterred, I made it my mission to recreate that delicious taco in my own kitchen. I spent hours experimenting with different ingredients and techniques, trying to capture the essence of that unforgettable meal.

Finally, after many failed attempts, I stumbled upon the perfect combination of flavors and textures that matched the tacos American-style I had tried that fateful day. I was ecstatic. I had unlocked the secret to making these delicious tacos, and I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect my recipe for tacos American-style, adding my own twist and flair to make it truly my own. I have shared it with countless people, who have all raved about its deliciousness. It has become a staple in my household, a dish that is requested time and time again.

The key to making these tacos American-style lies in the quality of the ingredients and the attention to detail. I always start with fresh, high-quality ground beef, seasoned with a blend of spices that I have perfected over the years. I cook the meat until it is perfectly browned and flavorful, then set it aside to cool slightly.

Next, I prepare the toppings – shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, sour cream, and salsa. I like to offer a variety of options so that everyone can customize their taco to their liking. I also make sure to have plenty of crispy taco shells on hand, as well as a side of homemade guacamole for dipping.

To assemble the tacos, I spoon a generous amount of the seasoned ground beef into each shell, then top it with the lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and salsa. I like to add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top for an extra burst of flavor. The end result is a beautiful, colorful taco that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

The first time I made these tacos American-style for my family, they were blown away by how delicious they were. They couldn't believe that I had managed to recreate the flavors of that street vendor's taco in our own kitchen. From that day on, it became a favorite meal in our household, requested for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.

I have since passed down the recipe for tacos American-style to my children and grandchildren, who have all embraced it with enthusiasm. It brings me joy to see them gather around the table, eagerly assembling their own tacos and savoring every bite. The tradition lives on, a testament to the power of good food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

As I sit here reminiscing about that fateful day when I first tried tacos American-style, I am filled with gratitude for the journey it has taken me on. It has been a labor of love, a culinary adventure that has enriched my life in more ways than I can count. And as I continue to share this recipe with others, I am reminded of the power of food to connect us, to nourish us, and to bring us joy. For that, I am truly grateful.