Mexicanby Wikibooks CookbookTacosServes4Keep screen onSaveShare Cook my versionIngredientsServings−4+Ground, finely sliced, or chopped beefCorn tortillas or ready-made taco shells1–4 tsp per pound (450 g) of beef of cuminChili powder, to tasteBlack olivesShredded mild cheddar cheese, if desiredFresh tomatoesChopped cilantroFresh spinach, shredded or dicedMushroomsSalsa, or hot sauce, as hot as you would likeSour creamChopped lettuce or shredded cabbageChopped tomatoChopped onionStepsStep-by-step0 of 11 done1If you would like to have 'build-your-own' tacos, dice the optional ingredients your desire as needed and place in separate bowls for use on the table.2Place the beef in a wide pan on a large burner. Ground beef will need to be broken up as it cooks; chopped or sliced beef needs to be stir-fried and may require oil. When using high-fat ground beef, you may wish to drain and very, very lightly rinse the beef in a colander, or add water to float the 3Add lots of cumin to the beef. Cumin is the magic ingredient that makes a taco taste like a taco. You may also add a bit of salt, a bit of chili powder and/or diced onion.4Prepare the outside covering:5Pre-made shells can be reheated in the microwave as the package directs.6Plain corn tortillas can be used for soft tacos, although, for soft tacos, either a double layer of corn tortillas or a single layer of flour tortilla works best. The tortillas should be microwaved, covered, in 15+ second stages, flipping between stages, until warm, and kept covered and warm prior t7You could make your own hard taco shells from corn tortillas, but rest very well assured that soft corn tortilla tacos are absolutely the most traditional. If you need hard shells and can not find them pre-made, you may, with great effort and use of your time, use a deep-fat process, going one at a 8Place hot beef into a hard shell or down the middle of a warm soft tortilla (two for corn). A very simple, and quite authentic, taco would be to then add a sprinkling of finely diced onion and cilantro into the inside of the taco, fold the tortilla over (if soft) and serve with lime quarters for squ9You may also continue on to place cheese onto the beef. The heat of the beef should slightly melt the cheese. You may wish to microwave the taco a bit, especially if the cheese is cold or if you are using low-fat cheese.10Add other toppings as the cook desires.11Serve the tacos with a small or large assortment of items that people can add. Traditionally, in a restaurant, this would amount to only pico de gallo or a hot sauce. However, 'build-your-own' tacos with a good assortment of items to add can add a bit of fun to a gathering or family dinner.Photo: Wikibooks Cookbook contributors · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SASource: Wikibooks Cookbook
