As I am currently in San Antonio, Texas, I felt a need to share something Mexican with you.  Tacos are quick and easy to make and fun to eat!

A few years ago, I was making taco ground beef and having a difficult time of it.  I had my scrambled beef in the pan, added all of the spices and yet the taste was bland!  I added more chili powder and cumin … still tasteless.  Again and again I added flavorings to no avail.  Because the meat looked especially dry, I finally decided to add some water.  Oh my gosh, it was bland no more!

Here’s what I learned.  Spices need moisture to do their thing!

5.0 from 1 reviews

Let's Make Crispy Beef Tacos

 

Author: Dennis Killebrew

Cuisine: Mexican

Prep time:  10 mins

Cook time:  15 mins

Total time:  25 mins

Print

Ingredients

• 1 Pound Ground Beef
• 3 Tablespoons Finely Chopped Yellow Onion
• 1 Minced Garlic Clove
• 1½ Teaspoon Chili Powder (More if you like after tasting)
• 1 Tablespoon Paprika
• 1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin
• 1 Pinch of Dried Whole Oregano, Crushed
• 1 Dash of Ground Cayenne Pepper
• ½ Teaspoon Salt
• 5 Twists of the Black Pepper Mill
• ⅔ Cup Water
• Chopped Tomato
• Salsa
• Shredded Lettuce
• Chopped Onion (Optional)
• 6 - 8 Prepared Taco Shells
• 8 Ounces (by Weight) Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Instructions

1. Coat a 9" skillet with cooking spray and add the onions, garlic and ground beef. Turn the heat to medium-high and work to chop the meat into small pieces with a large spoon. Salt and Pepper the contents of the skillet and cook until all of the pink in the meat is gone; continue to break up the meat while cooking.
2. When done, remove the beef, onions and garlic to a paper towel lined plate to drain. Pour out the oil in the pan and wipe dry with a paper towel. Return the meat mixture to the pan and place over medium-high heat. Add the chile powder, paprika and cumin; stir well. Add the water to the skillet and stir to mix all of the ingredients together.
3. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until most of the water has evaporated away; taste and correct for salt and pepper. Set aside.
4. Place 3 tablespoons taco meat and a couple of fingers full of cheese into a taco shell in that order. Place it on a plate and microwave for 25 seconds, or until cheese begins to melt. Remove from microwave and add your choice of toppings from those available.

3.2.1255