Smoky Beef Tacos

15m
Prep Time
20m
Cook Time
35m
Ready In

Recipe: #36115

December 19, 2020



"This is out of the Fall 2020 Woman's Day magazine...The chipotle chile is what makes it smoky..."

Original is 4 servings

Nutritional

  • Serving Size: 1 (289.8 g)
  • Calories 771.2
  • Total Fat - 37.7 g
  • Saturated Fat - 12.3 g
  • Cholesterol - 108.8 mg
  • Sodium - 979.9 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate - 67.4 g
  • Dietary Fiber - 8.3 g
  • Sugars - 10.2 g
  • Protein - 40.6 g
  • Calcium - 225.6 mg
  • Iron - 13.5 mg
  • Vitamin C - 5.7 mg
  • Thiamin - 0.4 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Heat oil in large skillet on medium. Add onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute.

Step 2

Add beef and cook, breaking up into small pieces, 5 minutes.

Step 3

Sprinkle with chipotle chile powder, (the chipotle is what makes it smoky), and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, continuing to break up, 2 minutes more.

Step 4

Stir in tomato sauce and simmer until slightly thickened, 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 5

In bowl, toss lettuce with cilantro. Fill taco shells with beef and top with cheddar, then lettuce. Serve with onion, sour cream, and lime wedges if desired.

Tips


No special items needed.

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.


  • When purchasing chipotle chile powder, select a milder version if you don't like spicy food.
  • For the taco shells, you can use either hard corn shells or soft flour tortillas.

  • Substitute ground turkey for the ground beef for a leaner option. The benefit of this substitution is that it cuts down on the fat content of the dish without sacrificing flavor.
  • Substitute spinach for the lettuce for more nutrients. The benefit of this substitution is that spinach is a nutrient-dense vegetable that adds more vitamins and minerals to the dish.

Vegetarian Tacos Heat oil in large skillet on medium. Add onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute. Add 1 pound of crumbled firm tofu and cook, breaking up into small pieces, 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chipotle powder, cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, continuing to break up, 2 minutes more. Stir in tomato sauce and simmer until slightly thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. In bowl, toss lettuce with cilantro. Fill taco shells with tofu and top with cheddar, then lettuce. Serve with onion, sour cream, and lime wedges if desired.



Mexican Street Corn: A delicious side dish that complements the smoky beef tacos perfectly. It is made with grilled corn, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice for a zesty and flavorful combination.


Chunky Guacamole: This creamy and flavorful guacamole is a great accompaniment to the Mexican Street Corn. It's made with ripe avocados, tomatoes, red onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and lime juice for a delicious and zesty dip or spread. It's a great way to add a touch of freshness and flavor to the tacos.




FAQ

Q: How much chipotle chile powder should I use?

A: Start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more to taste, up to 1 1/2 teaspoons.



Q: What are the health benefits of chipotle chile powder?

A: Chipotle chile powder is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6. It is also a good source of dietary fiber and contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation.

1 Reviews

WhatamIgonnaeatnext?

Thanks for posting this. It was tasty. I used regular chili powder instead of the chipotle and I used shredded lettuce. We didn't have any limes, but I know that would have been a really good addition. I made this for Food, Friends, & Fun in their Only The Lonely Game.

5.0

(13 Apr 2021)

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Fun facts:

The earliest known reference to tacos can be traced back to the 19th century in Mexico. The tacos were made with soft corn tortillas filled with a variety of ingredients.

In 2009, the taco was named the official state food of Texas by the Texas legislature. The taco is a popular dish among celebrities and is often featured in movies and television shows.