Tacos with Mexican Seasonings are a quick and delicious meal that combines flavorful ground beef with savory taco spices, corn, black beans, and a hint of salsa. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and served with crispy tater tots, these tacos are perfect for a fun family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Let’s dive into the recipe and see how to create these mouthwatering tacos step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
- 4 cups frozen tater tots
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tater Tots
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the package of tater tots.
- Bake Tater Tots: Arrange the tater tots on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake according to the package instructions until they are golden brown and crispy. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Vegetables
- Add Taco Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning packet over the ground beef mixture. Stir to combine and cook according to the packet instructions, usually adding a bit of water to help distribute the seasoning.
- Add Corn and Beans: Add the corn and rinsed black beans to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Stir in Salsa: Add the salsa to the mixture and stir well to incorporate all the flavors.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Prepare Toppings: While the beef mixture is finishing up, shred the cheddar cheese and get the sour cream ready if you’re using it.
- Serve Tacos: Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture into taco shells or tortillas. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
- Serve with Tater Tots: Serve the tacos hot, accompanied by the crispy tater tots.
Cooking Notes
- Ground Beef: For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or tomatoes to the beef mixture for additional flavor and texture.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds a nice sharpness, but you can use any cheese you prefer, such as Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the ground beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before assembling the tacos.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover ground beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Q: Can I freeze the ground beef mixture? A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked ground beef mixture. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make a keto or low-carb version of these tacos, follow these modifications:
- Taco Shells: Use lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas instead of traditional taco shells.
- Corn and Beans: Omit the corn and black beans, or replace with low-carb vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Salsa: Use a sugar-free salsa to keep the carb count low.
Tacos with Mexican Seasonings are a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With their savory ground beef mixture, fresh toppings, and crispy tater tots on the side, these tacos are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious, homemade taco night!
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