This recipe creates a flavorful and satisfying meal featuring seasoned ground beef, cheese, and fresh vegetables wrapped in warm tortillas. You can adapt this recipe to make either tacos or quesadillas, depending on your preference. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- This includes preparing the beef filling and chopping the vegetables.
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- This is the cooking time for the beef filling and warming the tortillas.
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- This includes all preparation and cooking time.
Ingredients:
- 500 grams ground beef (about 1 pound)
- 1 large egg
- Salt, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2-3 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- Tortillas (corn or flour, as desired)
- 100 grams cheese, shredded (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- Olive oil
Directions:
-
Prepare the Beef Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, salt, paprika, and black pepper.
- Mix well with your hands or a spoon until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
-
Cook the Beef:
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
- Add the seasoned ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
-
Add Green Onions:
- Stir the chopped green onions into the cooked beef.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the green onions are slightly wilted.
-
Warm the Tortillas:
- For Tacos: Warm the tortillas individually on a hot griddle or in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side, or until heated through.
- For Quesadillas: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle with cheese, and top with the beef filling. Place another tortilla on top and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown.
-
Assemble the Tacos:
- Fill each warm tortilla with the beef filling and top with shredded cheese.
- Serve immediately.
-
Assemble the Quesadillas:
- Slice the cooked quesadillas into wedges.
- Serve immediately.
Nutritional Facts (Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 400-500
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30g
- Fiber: 2-4g
The Origins and Popularity of This Recipe:
This recipe draws inspiration from Tex-Mex cuisine, which is a fusion of Mexican and American flavors. Tacos and quesadillas are popular dishes that originated in Mexico and have become widely popular in the United States and around the world. Ground beef is a common filling for these dishes, providing a hearty and flavorful base. The use of cheese, onions, and seasonings adds layers of flavor and texture. The versatility of this recipe allows for customization with various toppings and fillings, contributing to its widespread appeal. The ease of preparation and the ability to adapt to different tastes and dietary preferences have made this a staple in many households. The combination of simple ingredients and the ability to create a satisfying meal quickly has solidified its position as a go-to dish for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make it a breeze to prepare.
- Versatile: Can be adapted to make tacos or quesadillas, and customized with various toppings.
- Flavorful: Seasoned ground beef and melted cheese create a delicious combination.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleasing meal that’s enjoyed by both kids and adults.
Health Benefits of:
- Ground Beef: Provides protein, iron, and other essential nutrients.
- Onions and Green Onions: Offer vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Cheese: Provides calcium and protein.
Serving Suggestions of:
- Tacos: Serve with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes, and other toppings.
- Quesadillas: Serve with salsa, guacamole, and a side of sour cream.
- Taco Salad: Use the beef filling to make a taco salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and other vegetables.
- Nachos: Use the beef filling as a topping for nachos with cheese, jalapenos, and other toppings.
Tips:
- Use Quality Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Season Generously: Season the beef generously with salt, paprika, and black pepper for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Cook the beef until just browned to prevent it from becoming dry.
- Warm the Tortillas Properly: Warm the tortillas until they are soft and pliable.
- Use a Good Cheese: Use a good quality cheese that melts well.
Variations to Try:
- Add Vegetables: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the beef filling.
- Spicy Version: Add jalapenos or hot sauce to the beef filling.
- Use Different Cheeses: Use different cheeses like pepper jack, mozzarella, or cotija.
- Add Beans: Add cooked black beans or pinto beans to the beef filling.
- Use Different Meats: Use ground chicken, turkey, or pork instead of ground beef.
Conclusion:
These beef and cheese tortilla wraps (tacos/quesadillas) are a delicious and versatile meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With their flavorful beef filling and customizable toppings, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
- Yes, pre-shredded cheese can be used, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.
- Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
- Yes, corn tortillas can be used for a more authentic taco experience.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the beef filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
- How do I store leftover beef filling?
- Store leftover beef filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Can I freeze cooked beef filling?
- Yes, cooked beef filling can be frozen. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I add other spices to the beef filling?
- Yes, you can add other spices like cumin, chili powder, or oregano.
- Can I use a different type of oil instead of olive oil?
- Yes, vegetable oil or canola oil can be used.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- Yes, you can use a vegetarian ground beef alternative or black beans instead of ground beef.
- How do I prevent the tortillas from tearing?
- Warm the tortillas properly and don’t overfill them.
- Can I bake the quesadillas instead of cooking them on the stovetop?
- Yes, you can bake the quesadillas in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.