Get ready to transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico with these irresistibly crispy picadillo tacos! Imagine biting into a perfectly crunchy shell filled with savory, spice-infused ground beef that's bursting with flavor – this isn't just another taco recipe, this is a culinary adventure that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a taco enthusiast or a curious home cook looking to spice up your dinner routine, these Mexican Picadillo Tacos are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 8 taco shells
- Shredded lettuce and cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on a clean, spacious countertop. This includes 1 pound of ground beef, 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped bell pepper, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 8 taco shells, and shredded lettuce and cheese for serving.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break the meat apart with a spatula and cook until it is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
- Once the beef is browned, stir in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the tablespoon of chili powder. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the picadillo mixture is simmering, preheat your oven according to the taco shell package instructions, typically around 350°F (175°C). Place the taco shells on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until crispy.
- Once the picadillo is ready and the taco shells are crispy, remove them from the oven. Carefully spoon the picadillo mixture into each taco shell, filling them generously.
- Top each filled taco with shredded lettuce and cheese to your liking. You can also add additional toppings like salsa, sour cream, or avocado if desired.
- Serve the crispy Mexican picadillo tacos immediately while they are warm and enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef to keep your tacos from becoming greasy.
- For extra flavor, use fresh, high-quality spices and consider toasting your chili powder briefly in the pan before adding other ingredients.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking the beef – this ensures proper browning and develops deeper flavors.
- Warm your taco shells just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.
- Experiment with additional toppings like fresh cilantro, diced onions, or a squeeze of lime for added brightness.
- For a healthier version, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.
- If you like extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños to the picadillo mixture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 70mg
