Recipe: Tegan's Tacos

This is my very own taco recipe that I came up with back in my super-poor single days. I don't use a seasoning packet, instead opting for free-handing various spices. You can also serve over tortilla chips instead of using tortillas (that's how my husband prefers it). Enjoy! :)

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

One Spanish onion or ½ of yellow onion, finely chopped

One jalepeno (optional) - seeded and finely chopped

Cayenne pepper

Paprika

Cumin

Garlic – I used minced garlic instead of garlic powder

Juice of 2 limes

1-2 Roma tomatoes, chopped

Spinach or red leaf lettuce or green leaf lettuce

Avocado - sliced

Tortillas - warmed

Refried Beans - heated

Sour Cream

Cheese – I prefer Colby Jack

Prep:

Brown ground beef in a skillet with onion. Season with lots of paprika (probably at least 1 tablespoon), lots of cumin (probably at least 1 tablespoon), and a little cayenne pepper (about ¼-1/2 tablespoon, depending on how hot you want your tacos),  ½ tablespoon garlic and juice of half a lime. I season twice, once at the beginning, and again towards the end of browning. You should be adding enough paprika that the meat takes on a slightly red hue and enough cumin that it smells a bit mesquite. You can also add in some chili powder - a dash or three, if you desire.

Once the hamburger is browned, drain any excess grease. Return to pan on medium-low heat. Add chopped tomatoes and juice of ½ lime. If you’re feeling in a very zesty mood, add the juice of another lime. When tomatoes have cooked down a bit, but are still a little meaty, remove from hamburger from heat.

Taco layering Tegan style:

I prefer to layer my tacos so that they are easy to hold and stuff doesn’t fall out. This is how I do it:

Spoon sour cream onto tortilla and spread around to cover surface.

Add a spoonful of refried beans and spread to cover surface.

Add a layer of spinach or one leaf of red or green leafed lettuce.

Add a thin layer of meat down the middle.

Add avocado as desired.

Sprinkle with cheese.

I prefer to heat in the microwave about 10-15 seconds – enough to steam everything and melt the cheese slightly. Roll or fold, eat and enjoy!  :)