Introduction
Do you love Mexican tacos? Who doesn’t? Tacos are a delicious way to turn a few everyday ingredients into an amazing meal. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress your guests at brunch, tacos are always a tasty option. And homemade tacos are even better!
Making homemade tacos from scratch doesn’t have to be hard. In this article, we’ll show you how to make the best Mexican tacos using simple ingredients and your favorite toppings. We’ll guide you through the steps from preparing the tortillas to cooking the tacos and serve your creations with a delicious topping. Plus, we’ll show you some variations so you can make tacos for any occasion or craving.
Ingredients
Making a delicious homemade Mexican tacos feast doesn’t have to be difficult and time-consuming – all you need to get started is the right ingredients! Here’s a breakdown of the items you’ll need for this easy recipe:
1- Ground beef (1 pound)
2- Taco seasoning mix (1 package)
3- Flour Tortillas (10-12)
4- Shredded cheese (1 cup)
5- Lettuce (1 head, shredded)
6- Tomatoes (2, diced)
7- Sour cream (1/2 cup)
8- Salsa (1/2 cup)
9- Guacamole (optional, 1/4 cup)
10- Black olives (1/4 cup, sliced)
11- Cilantro (optional, a few sprigs, chopped)
In addition to these ingredients, you’ll need a few supplies to help you put your tacos together, such as a large skillet, a cutting board, a knife, and a spoon. To complete the meal, you’ll want to provide sides such as chips, refried beans, and more.
Whether you’re making your tacos for a family dinner or a special occasion, gather up these ingredients and supplies, and get ready to feast on some delicious and authentic homemade Mexican tacos!
Instructions
Once you have all the necessary ingredients, homemade Mexican tacos are easy to make.
1. Start by heating a skillet or a large pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add a tablespoon of oil and let it heat up.
3. Add the ground beef and season with salt, pepper, chili powder, and garlic powder.
4. Break up the ground beef and stir occasionally until it’s cooked through.
5. Remove the ground beef from the heat and set aside.
6. Heat a large pan with a tablespoon of oil.
7. Add the onions, peppers, and garlic and cook until softened and lightly browned.
8. Add the cumin, salt, pepper, and oregano and stir to combine.
9. Add the tomatoes and cook for an additional few minutes.
10. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
11. Warm the taco shells in the preheated oven for a few minutes until crispy.
12. Assemble the tacos by adding the beef and vegetable mixture to the taco shells.
13. Top with cheese, lettuce, avocado, and sour cream.
14. Serve with salsa and enjoy!
Preparing the Tortillas
Tortillas are the foundation of any great taco. To make tacos that are both delicious and authentic, start by making your own tortillas.
To begin, you will need 2 cups of masa harina. Mix this with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 1/2 cups of warm water. Knead the mixture until it becomes a soft dough.
Once you have the dough ready, separate it into small balls, around the size of golf balls. Roll each ball into a thin circle, using a rolling pin or a tortilla press.
Then, heat a lightly oiled skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook the tortillas until golden brown, about 45-60 seconds per side. Keep the cooked tortillas wrapped in a slightly damp cloth or towel to keep them warm and pliable.
Your homemade tortillas are now ready to be filled with your favorite taco ingredients!
Making the Filling
Creating your own homemade tacos is an easy process that requires just a few simple steps. To get started, prepare the filling for your tacos by seasoning ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic, and chili powder. Then, cook the seasoned beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. When it’s browned and cooked through, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside on a plate to cool.
Assembling the Tacos
Now it’s time to assemble your homemade Mexican tacos. Start by heating a skillet or pan over medium heat. Place a corn or flour tortilla in the pan and fill with your choice of taco filling. Some popular fillings to include are ground beef, pork, chicken, bean, or whatever your favorite filling may be. To make the tacos healthier, choose low-fat and lean meats, such as ground turkey. Top the tacos with fresh ingredients such as lettuce, tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
Once the ingredients are added to the tacos, it’s time to cook. Fold the tacos in half to ensure the ingredients are contained and cook until the tortilla is crisp. Enjoy your homemade Mexican tacos hot off the skillet!
Topping the Tacos
The possibilities for toppings for homemade Mexican tacos are endless! If you wish to keep the tacos more traditional, you can top them with lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, onions, and a dollop of sour cream. For a heartier taco, consider adding cooked ground beef, shredded chicken or a combination of the two. These can easily be spiced up with your favorite Mexican seasonings or sauces. Don’t forget the guacamole, shredded cheese, and hot sauce for an even bigger flavor punch. If you are feeling adventurous, try adding chopped jalapenos, diced pineapple, or a sprinkling of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Whatever you choose to include on your tacos, the result will be a delicious and easy-to-make meal that will be sure to satisfy.
Cooking the Tacos
Making homemade tacos is a simple and fun way to bring a taste of Mexican cuisine right into your own kitchen. Start by heating a pan over low-medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it is cooked through and no longer pink. Use a whisk to break up the beef while it cooks. Once cooked, season with chili powder, garlic powder, cumin and salt to taste.
In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, diced onion and shredded lettuce. Add the cooked beef to the bowl and mix everything together.
Take one tortilla, add a spoonful of the mixture to it and wrap it up. Repeat the process for the remaining tortillas. You can either fry the tacos in a pan with a little oil or you can bake them in the oven at 350F for a few minutes until crisp. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Serving the Tacos
Making tacos at home is a great way to enjoy a delicious Mexican-inspired dish without going out. Tacos can be served in many different ways, and each one is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
If you’re hosting a party or gathering, tacos are a great way to feed a group of people. Serving the tacos buffet-style allows everyone to pick and choose their favorite toppings. You can also set up a taco bar with all the necessary ingredients so that people can assemble their own tacos. Plates of pre-made tacos are also ideal for groups.
For a casual dinner with family or friends, tacos can be served straight from the oven. Depending on your preference, you can dish up individual plates of tacos with all the traditional accompaniments—sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and cheese—or arrange the ingredients separately for people to assemble their own.
To get creative, you can also serve your tacos on a skewer. This is a fun way to enjoy tacos, and you can have a variety of ingredients on each skewer, including meat, vegetables, and cheese.
If you’re short on time, you can always turn your tacos into wraps or burritos. Simply wrap your taco ingredients in a tortilla and enjoy.
No matter how you choose to serve your homemade Mexican tacos, your guests are sure to love them. Enjoy these delicious tacos as you dine with your loved ones!
Variations
Tacos are a great dish for getting creative in the kitchen and celebrating Mexican culture and flavors. There are endless ways to build a taco, but here are some variations to try when making homemade Mexican tacos.
The best part about tacos is that you can customize them however you like. Whether you prefer soft or hard shells, or a combination of the two, you can experiment with different tortilla combinations to create your own delicious taco. Some traditional toppings for tacos include salsa, cheese, avocado, cilantro, tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños. But you can also switch up the toppings and include ingredients like sour cream, lettuce, black beans, corn, olives, and even scrambled eggs.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, a great way to make tacos without meat is by using beans or tofu. You can also combine different types of beans, or consider adding roasted vegetables to the mix. If you’re looking for a vegan option, consider swapping out traditional cheese for vegan-friendly cheese or a plant-based cheese alternative.
When it comes to the salsa, store-bought salsa is always an option, but don’t forget that there’s nothing better than fresh homemade salsa. All you need is garlic, tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, and cilantro.
Finally, if you’d like to add a bit of heat to your tacos, there are a variety of hot sauce and chili options. A great way to find your perfect heat level is to sample a few different hot sauces and have a tasting with friends.
With all of these different variation options, you can create an endless number of delicious tacos that are sure to satisfy your craving for tasty Mexican cuisine. So the next time you’re in the mood for tacos, don’t forget to turn to yourkitchen and get creative!
Substituting the Main Ingredient
If you want to make Mexican tacos with a different main ingredient, there are a few options you can consider. Popular choices include chicken, beef, and fish, but you can also use beans, mushrooms, and vegetables. If you’re in the mood for something more creative, you can even experiment with other kinds of meat, such as venison and pork. No matter what you choose, make sure to include plenty of Mexican spices and flavorful ingredients to bring out the best taste.
Adding Toppings
Once you’ve prepared the tacos and have them on the plate, it’s time to dress them up with some delicious toppings! The toppings you choose will depend on your tastes, and you can include anything from fresh diced tomatoes and crunchy lettuce to jalapeños, diced onions, and cilantro. For a more authentic flavor, consider adding a dollop of Mexican crema or a drizzle of salsa verde. Be sure to include some freshly grated Mexican cheese and a squeeze of lime to finish off the tacos. Whatever toppings you decide to include, you’re sure to have a tasty Mexican taco dinner!
Making the Tortillas from Scratch
Homemade Mexican tacos are not complete without a freshly made tortilla. While you can purchase tortillas in your local grocery store, making them from scratch will give you the best flavor. To make your own tortillas, you will need all-purpose flour, salt, and vegetable shortening. Start by sifting the flour and salt together in a large bowl. Then work in the shortening with your hands until the mixture has a coarse texture. Once the flour, salt, and shortening are mixed, slowly add in water and knead the dough until it is soft and pliable. Divide the dough into small rounds and roll each out until it is thin and round. Finally, cook each tortilla for about two minutes on each side or until it is lightly brown.
Conclusion
Homemade Mexican tacos can be a delicious and healthy way to enjoy Mexican cuisine. With a few simple ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a traditional and tasty meal for any occasion. Whether you choose to use store bought tortillas, or make your own from scratch, you can rest assured knowing that your tacos are always fresh, flavorful, and wholesome. You can even customize your tacos by adding various toppings or substituting the main ingredient. There are so many different variations to explore, so be sure to experiment with your tacos and have fun while you do it. Bon appetit!
