The key to a great taco is the meat that's used---it should be lean, spicy and cooked properly. While it's easy to purchase a taco seasoning packet to add to ground beef, it can be much more gratifying to make the seasoning from scratch. Try this taco meat recipe at your next fiesta.
Instructions
1. Finely chop the bell peppers, onions and tomatoes. Set aside.
2. Brown 2 lbs. of lean ground beef in a large frying pan over medium heat. Cook all of the meat at once, using a wooden spoon or spatula to turn and break the beef into pieces. Cook until brown for no more than 10 minutes.
3. Remove excess oil from the pan for healthier tacos by tilting the pan and allowing the oil to puddle on one side. Pour or scoop off the oil.
4. Mix the spices. In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp. each of ground cumin and chili powder; ¼ tsp. each of salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper; ½ tsp. dried oregano; ½ tsp. garlic powder and 1 tsp. paprika. Set aside.
5. Add the bell peppers and onion to the browned meat in the pan. Cook for about five minutes over medium heat. Add the spices, and cook for another five minutes, stirring often.
6. Add the water, tomato and cornmeal. Cook uncovered for 10 more minutes, or until most of the moisture has evaporated.
7. Spoon the meat into crunchy or soft taco shells and top with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, cheese, onion, olive or salsa. You can use the taco meat for a variety of purposes, including taco salads, chili and dips.
Tags: taco meat, bell peppers, five minutes, ground beef, medium heat