Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons canola oil
- 10 ounces potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup water, divided
- 8 ounces extra lean ground beef
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
- 8 taco shells
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 1/2 ounce shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup nonfat sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
Step 1: Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes and stir quickly to coat in the oil. Cook without stirring for 5 minutes or until the bottoms of the potatoes are browned.
Step 2: Add half of the water to the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, covered, for 2-3 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 3: Remove the cover and let the potatoes simmer for 1 additional minute.
Step 4: Add the ground beef, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally to break up the meat, for 4-5 minutes or until the beef is cooked.
Step 5: Add the remaining water to the skillet and bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.
Step 6: Heat the taco shells on high heat in the microwave for 45 seconds. Divide the beef filling, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and cilantro between the taco shells.
Step 7: Serve the beef and potato tacos immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Serving size: 2 tacos
Calories: 400 | Protein: 20 grams | Carbohydrates: 35 grams | Fat: 15 grams | Fiber: 4 grams
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use a different type of oil for cooking the potatoes and beef?
Yes, you can use different types of oil for cooking the potatoes and beef. Canola oil is commonly used due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point, but you can use other oils like vegetable oil, olive oil, or sunflower oil as alternatives.
Keep in mind that using different oils may slightly affect the flavor of the dish.
2. Can I substitute ground beef with other types of protein?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different protein source or have dietary restrictions, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of protein used.
3. Can I make the taco shells from scratch?
While the recipe calls for pre-made taco shells, you can make your own taco shells if desired. You can use soft tortillas and fry them until crispy or bake them in the oven until they become crispy and form the shape of a taco shell.
There are various homemade taco shell recipes available online that you can follow.
4. Can I add additional toppings or condiments to the tacos?
Absolutely! Tacos are versatile, and you can add a variety of toppings and condiments to suit your taste preferences. Consider options like sliced avocado or guacamole, salsa, diced onions, chopped jalapenos, or hot sauce.
You can customize the toppings based on your preferences and desired level of spiciness.
5. Can I make the recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can make the recipe vegetarian or vegan by replacing the ground beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a meat substitute.
You can also omit the cheese and sour cream or use vegan alternatives. Ensure that all the ingredients you use align with your dietary preferences.
6. Can I use different types of potatoes in this recipe?
Yes, you can use different types of potatoes in Beef And Potato Tacos. While the recipe suggests using peeled and diced potatoes, you can use varieties such as russet, red, or Yukon gold.
Just keep in mind that different types of potatoes may have slightly different textures and flavors.
7. Can I customize the seasonings for the beef?
Absolutely! The seasonings mentioned in the recipe, such as dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper, can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
Feel free to add more or less of these seasonings or even include additional spices or herbs that you enjoy.
8. Can I use soft tortillas instead of taco shells?
Yes, you can use soft tortillas instead of taco shells if you prefer. Soft tortillas, such as flour or corn tortillas, can be warmed up and filled with the beef and potato mixture, along with the other toppings. This will result in a different texture but still make for a delicious taco.
9. Can I make this recipe spicy?
If you prefer a spicier version of Beef And Potato Tacos, you can add additional ingredients like diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture while cooking.
You can also provide hot sauce or sliced jalapenos as toppings for individuals to add spice according to their preference.
10. Can I make this recipe in advance?
While it is best to serve Beef And Potato Tacos immediately after assembling, you can prepare some components in advance. You can cook and season the beef and potatoes ahead of time and refrigerate them separately.
When ready to serve, reheat the beef and potato mixture, warm the taco shells, and then assemble the tacos with the toppings.
