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Tacos Dorados

Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Gluten Free
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Why we love it:

These are the tacos I’d make for my brother and myself when my parents went out when I was a kid. They are the tacos from the kids’ book “Dragons Love Tacos.” They are almost comically simple and really good. Double the spice blend and store it for next time - lasts for 6 - 12 months!
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Ingredients

  • 1 pound Ground Beef
  • 1 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1⁄4 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1⁄4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (or more, to taste, or omit)
  • 1 teaspoon Tomato Paste
  • 8 ounces Cheddar Cheese (or shredded Mexican cheese blend)
  • 1 Slicer Tomato (or salsa instead)
  • 1 head Romaine Lettuce
  • 8 Corn Tortillas (or hard taco shells)
  • 1 Avocado
  • 4 Tablespoons Sour Cream (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  • 1. MEAT

    In a large sauté pan, melt the butter. Then add the meat and break it up with a spoon. Keep cooking and breaking it up.

  • 2. SPICE BLEND

    Meanwhile, stir together all of the spices.

  • 3. SEASON

    When the meat is mostly browned, add the tomato paste and cook. Add the spice blend and keep cooking. Add 1 - 3 Tablespoons of water to help make a nice thick sauce. Cook for another 1 - 2 minutes until all is browned, seasoned and coated.

  • 4. TOPPINGS

    If needed, grate cheese. Slice the tomato. Slice lettuce into thin strips. Slice the avocado. Set out the sour cream for topping.

    Warm the tortillas/taco shells in the oven or microwave for just a couple of seconds.

  • 5. SERVING

    I like to serve a make your own station for this kind of meal but you could assemble tacos for people if needed.

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Substitutions

  • DAIRY FREE:
    omit cheese, use oil instead of butter
  • BEEF:
    ground chicken or turkey
  • FISH:
    filet of fish or grill shrimp is an easy swap here - use the spices and sear until golden on the edges and break up fish to assemble in the tacos
  • TACO SHELLS:
    to make them as pictured get the store bought crunchy shells!
  • SPICE BLEND:
    you can certainly use a store bought blend
  • TOMATO:
    great to use a purchased salsa
  • KIDS CORNER:
    assemble tacos with their preferred ingredients or serve them deconstructed - my kids will only nibble lettuce, so I give them each ½ an avocado and some apple slices

Prep Ahead & Use It Up

  1. Mix the spice blend
  2. You can slice the peppers and onions up to 48 hours ahead, store in tupperware
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