Description
Tex-Mex is a fusion of Mexican and American cuisines, offering bold flavors and hearty ingredients in dishes like tacos, burritos, and fajitas. Known for its savory meats, spices, and fresh toppings, it’s a beloved choice for casual meals and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, chicken, or turkey (or a combination)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup beef or chicken broth (or water)
8–10 soft flour tortillas or crispy taco shells
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend
1 cup lettuce, shredded
1 medium tomato, diced
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup salsa (mild or hot, depending on preference)
1/4 cup guacamole (optional)
Jalapeño slices (optional)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the meat: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Add the ground meat to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Season the meat: Once the meat is cooked, add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the meat in the seasonings. Pour in the broth (or water) and stir again. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the liquid to reduce.
- Prepare the toppings: While the meat is simmering, prepare the taco or burrito toppings. Shred the lettuce, dice the tomatoes, chop the cilantro, and slice the jalapeños (if using). Set everything aside.
- Assemble the Tex-Mex tacos or burritos: Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make them pliable. For tacos, spoon the seasoned meat into the center of each tortilla. For burritos, spoon the meat and add any additional fillings like rice or beans. Add the shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and jalapeños on top.
- Serve: Fold the tortillas into tacos or roll them into burritos. Serve with extra salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side, and enjoy with a cold beverage like margaritas or iced tea.
Notes
- Vegetarian Tex-Mex: Substitute the meat with a variety of beans, like black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans. You can also add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn.
- Beef or Chicken Fajitas: Instead of using ground meat, slice chicken or beef into thin strips and sauté with onions, bell peppers, and fajita seasoning for a Tex-Mex fajita-style dish.
- Tex-Mex Nachos: Layer tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with seasoned ground beef, beans, shredded cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted. Add sour cream, salsa, and guacamole as toppings.
- Tex-Mex Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with the seasoned meat and cheese, then cook them on a skillet until golden and crispy. Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Tex-Mex Cuisine
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
