Beef Tacos

Tacos are a simple, quick  meal that can be made any day of the week. But, let's face it, buying a package of ground meat and adding a taco seasoning packet to it, though easy, is not at all authentic or that tasty. Typically, taco seasoning's are loaded with salt, MSG and tons of dehydrated or powdered spices. Sorry, but I want the real flavors of onion and garlic in my tacos. Fortunately,  I was able to find all that and more in this fresh, easy recipe. (Use a mini-food processor to  finely chop the garlic and onion.)

Beef Filling:

1 tbs. canola or vegetable oil 

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped 

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped 

2 tbs. chili powder 

1 tsp. ground cumin 

1 tsp. ground coriander 

1/2 tsp. dried oregano 

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (or more if you like it spicier)

1/2 tsp. salt 

1 lb. lean ground sirloin (90/10) 

1/2 c. canned tomato sauce (not marinara) 

1/2 c. low sodium chicken broth 

1 tsp. brown sugar

2 tsp. cider vinegar 

fresh ground black pepper 

• Heat oil in a large skillet or dutch oven over medium high heat until hot. 
• Add onion and cook stirring occasionally to soften (about 4 minutes.) 
• Add garlic, spices and 1/2 tsp. salt; cook stirring constantly until fragrant (1 minute.)
• Add ground beef and cook, breaking up meat as it cooks. 
• Once beef is browned through, add tomato sauce, chicken broth, sugar and vinegar. 
• Reduce heat and bring mixture to a simmer. Cook until reduced by half and thickened (about 15-20 minutes.) 
• Adjust seasoning if desired with pepper to taste. 
• Serve as tacos with favorite tortilla shells, nachos, or simply over mexican rice with favorite toppings. 

Recommended toppings (as pictured above): 

• Shredded blend of Mexican cheeses 
• Shredded lettuce 
• Fresh tomatoes, diced 
• Avocado, diced 
• Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped 
• Sour Cream 
• Lime wedges (to juice over filling) 
• Fresh Salsa and/or Guacamole (if you prefer over chopped tomato and avocado)

(Adapted from "Fall Entertaining-Cook's Illustrated" 2009 edition.)