Dave's Tacos Recipe

"This is Hubby's masterpiece, one of only three dinners he knows how to make. He loves it when I ask him to make these, he does the cooking and frying while I get the fixings together. Our kids always begged for tacos on Friday nights when they were growing up."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Brown meat and onion, add tomato paste and spices and simmer. Meanwhile, preheat oil on medium-high in small skillet or shallow saucepan, just big enough to fry tortillas. oil should be about 1/2" thick.

Step 2

When oil is hot, fry each tortilla quickly, both sides in less than a minute. Drain upside down on paper towels. Shells should still be fairly soft.

Step 3

Fill shells with meat, and serve hot with all the fixings.

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.

Tips for selecting ingredients

For the taco meat, use lean ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
Be sure to use vegetable oil for frying, not olive oil.

Ingredient substitutions

Substitute ground turkey for the ground beef for a leaner taco. This substitution will reduce the fat content of the tacos, making them a healthier option.
Substitute olive oil for the vegetable oil for a more flavorful taco. The olive oil will add a richer flavor to the tacos, making them more enjoyable to eat.

Variations

Vegetarian Tacos Substitute 1 pound of cooked black beans for the ground beef, and reduce the chili powder to 1 teaspoon. Fry the tortillas as directed, and fill with beans, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and taco sauce. Sour cream is optional.

Vegetarian Fajita Tacos Slice 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, and 1 onion. Sauté in a tablespoon of oil until vegetables are tender. Reduce the chili powder to 1 teaspoon. Fry the tortillas as directed, and fill with vegetables, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and taco sauce. Sour cream is optional.

Serve with

Mexican Rice: This classic Mexican side dish is the perfect accompaniment to Dave's Tacos. It's a simple dish made with white rice, onion, garlic, and tomato, and it adds a delicious flavor to the tacos. The rice also helps to fill up the stomach, making it a great dish to serve alongside tacos.

Refried Beans: Refried beans are a staple of Mexican cuisine, and they are a great accompaniment to Mexican Rice and Dave's Tacos. The creamy texture of the beans helps to balance out the flavors of the tacos, and they provide a great source of protein. Refried beans are also easy to make and can be served hot or cold.

FAQ

Q: What type of oil should I use for frying the tacos?

A: Vegetable oil is best for frying the tacos. Avoid using olive oil.

Q: How long should I fry the tacos?

A: Fry the tacos for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Fun facts:

Fun Fact 1: The taco is a traditional Mexican dish that dates back to the 18th century. It was originally made with hard-shell corn tortillas and filled with small pieces of meat. In the early 20th century, the taco migrated to the United States, where it was popularized by the Mexican-American community.

Fun Fact 2: The taco has become an iconic dish in American culture, and is often associated with celebrities such as actor and comedian George Lopez, who starred in the popular television series “The George Lopez Show”. Lopez often featured tacos in his show, as well as in his stand-up comedy routines.