Quick and Easy Taco Dinner

Most kids love tacos. It’s one of my favorite dishes to prepare because everyone can customize it to the way they like it. This is also one of the first dishes I ever learned to make growing up. It’s simple, tastes great and is a crowd pleaser. Now I don’t use a taco seasoning packet, no way! I like the freedom to customize each pan of taco meat. Here’s how I make tacos in our home –

You’ll need to following ingredients

1lb 85/15 Hamburger
3/4 teaspoon Oregano
3 tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
2 cloves minced garlic
2 tablespoon Chili Powder (can be mild or hot)
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
3/4 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Cumin

You can do this one of two ways – take a large bowl and combine everything together mixing it with your hands or dump it all in the pan and use a spoon or spatula to mix it together. I do the pan method. If I can save a dish and do it all in one pan I’m going to do it.

I usually cook this over medium to low heat stirring it once in a while to make sure all the seasoning is mixed well and the meat is cooked evenly.

While the taco meat is cooking I prep the rest of the veggies! Slice up a few tomatoes, olives, onions, lettuce and anything else you would like on top of your tacos.

Peyton loves some refried beans, but I take a shortcut on these and buy the ones already made. I heat those in a separate pan while the meat is cooking.

When the meat is cooked I set it up buffet style and let the family go through the line. This is always a crowd pleaser. And it works great if you have to double or triple the recipe. Just remember to use the meat with 85/15 as it does need a little fat to bring out the flavors. I’ve tried it with 90/10 and it’s too dry, 80/20 starts to get too runny and greasy. But the 85/15 makes a perfect batch every time!