Old School Beef Tacos Recipes

BEST CLASSIC GROUND BEEF TACOS

Steps:

• In a large skillet, over medium high heat, heat the oil. Add the onions and cook until translucent about 5-7 minutes stirring often. Add the garlic cook until the garlic is fragrant about 30 seconds, stirring to prevent garlic from burning.
• Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain the beef then return it back to the stove. Add the water, and the taco seasoning *SEE NOTES.
• Stir well and cook until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper if needed. Fill the tacos with the ground beef add then add your choice of toppings. *See notes for topping suggestions.

OLD SCHOOL BEEF TACOS

Steps:

• For the enchilada sauce: Add 1 1/2 cups of hot water to a large bowl and add the dried chiles. Leave to sit so the chiles rehydrate and plump up, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and onions and saute until fragrant and soft, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the cumin, and then pour in the diced tomatoes, rehydrated chile peppers and their water. Season with some salt and pepper. Then cover and simmer until sauce has reduced and is thickened, about 30 minutes. Puree with a stick blender (or in a regular blender), taking care as the liquid is hot and the air in the blender will expand. Puree until smooth and keep warm.
• For the taco filling: Set a large saute pan over high heat and add a drizzle of canola oil. Add the onions and bell peppers and saute until tender. Add the ground beef and saute while breaking up with the back of a wooden spoon. Cook until well browned, 7 to 8 minutes. Then season with the cumin, granulated garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt and pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 more minutes. Then stir in half the enchilada sauce (reserve the other half for assembly). Keep warm.
• For the tortillas: Take a large nonstick saute pan or griddle and spray lightly with the olive oil cooking spray. Warm a tortilla for about 30 seconds on both sides, and then lightly coat one side with a sprinkle of Parmesan. Warm through, and then flip so it toasts cheese side down. Allow the cheese to cook and brown, about 15 seconds, and then remove from the pan. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
• To assemble: Place a tortilla, cheese side up, on a plate and top with the ground beef mixture, a slathering of the reserved enchilada sauce and garnish with some tomatoes, shredded lettuce, crema, lime and cilantro.

MIDDLE-SCHOOL TACOS

Steps:

• Place a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add the oil. When it begins to shimmer, add the onion, and cook until softened and starting to brown, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
• Add the garlic, and cook for a minute or so to soften, and then the ground beef. Cook until the beef is starting to brown, stirring and chopping with a spoon to break up the meat, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Pour off excess fat, leaving only a tablespoon or two in the pan.
• Heat oven to 325. Add the chile powder, cumin, salt, pepper, cornstarch, paprika and red-pepper flakes, and stir to combine. Add the broth, stir, bring to a simmer and cook uncovered until the sauce has thickened slightly, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
• As sauce cooks, place taco shells on a sheet pan, and toast in oven until they are crisp and smell nutty. Serve a few tablespoons of meat in each taco, along with whatever toppings you like.