Tacos

Homemade tacos is a "go-to" recipe in my house. They are easy to whip together for a quick, weeknight meal. For several years, I purchased the taco seasoning packets from the store. The packets are okay but contain a lot of sodium. I stumbled across a recipe by Rachel Ray where she makes her own homemade seasoning using equals parts chili powder, cumin, onion powder, and garlic powder. I started out by experimenting with her version until I came up with my own seasoning.




Homemade Tacos
from Tasteful Cuisine

1 lb. ground chuck
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 garlic cloves smashed and chopped
1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
A pinch of red pepper flakes
1/2 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 cup of water
Tortillas
Toppings: Chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, shredded cheese, and sour cream

In a 12 inch skillet, brown the hamburger and onion. Once the hamburger is cooked through, drain and return to heat. Create a "hot spot" for the garlic and saute the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the rest of the seasonings and allow them heat until they too are fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the water and allow to simmer for at least ten minutes.* Once the water is evaporated, taste the meat and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Spoon taco meat onto tortillas and top with lettuce, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa. 

*The longer the the meat is simmered, the more flavorful and tender the meat becomes. Simmer for at least ten minutes but preferably for thirty minutes.