Friday Lunch Recipes
On the first Friday of every month, our very own Chandra T volunteers her time to prepare meals for the Freeport Community Services “First Friday Free Lunch Program.” Her meals are so delicious, that we often receive requests for her recipes. Please enjoy!
TACOS
Simple Tacos Recipe (Feeds 4-5). Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or casual get-togethers, these easy tacos are a simple meal everyone will love. The best part? There’s no right or wrong way to build a taco, so everyone can load them up with their favorite toppings. Whether you keep it classic or get creative with your add-ons, these tacos are packed with flavor and guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table.
Ingredients
- Taco Meat
- 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 ground beef adds great flavor, but leaner beef works too.)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (Dice finely if you’re serving picky eaters.)
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder (Add more if you like a little heat.)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup water (Helps the seasonings coat the meat evenly and keeps it juicy.)
- For Serving
- 10-12 taco shells or soft tortillas (Warm tortillas before serving for the best texture.)
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 avocado, sliced or diced (Optional, but adds a creamy freshness.)
- Side of Black Beans
- 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tbsp lime juice (Brightens the flavor and balances the richness of the tacos.)
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (Optional, but highly recommended for a fresh finish.)
Method
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Stir in the cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well so the beef is evenly coated with the seasonings. Pour in the water and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and flavorful.
While the taco meat simmers, prepare the black beans. Add the drained and rinsed black beans, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and water to a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Stir in the lime juice, if using.
Warm the taco shells or tortillas according to the package directions. This helps improve their texture and makes them easier to fill.
To assemble the tacos, spoon the seasoned beef into each shell or tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, salsa, avocado, or any of your favorite toppings.
Serve immediately with the warm black beans on the side for a simple, flavorful meal the whole family will enjoy.
Notes
- Cooking the spices with the beef for a minute or two before adding the water helps wake up those flavors and gives the taco meat a richer taste.
- Ground beef is a classic choice for tacos, but ground turkey or chicken can be substituted if preferred.
- Like your taco meat a little saucier? Just add an extra splash of water. For a thicker mixture, let it simmer a few minutes longer uncovered.
- As always, make this recipe your own! Feel free to add toppings like jalapeños, avocado, pickled onions, corn, cilantro, or anything else your family enjoys.
- Trust me on this one. Warming your taco shells or tortillas before serving makes a big difference in both flavor and texture.
- Black beans are a great vegetarian alternative in this recipe. Simply substitute the ground beef with two cans of black beans for an easy, protein-packed meatless option.
- Got leftovers? Lucky you! Taco meat stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be used for taco salads, burrito bowls, nachos, or quesadillas.