Tasty And Easy Mexican Recipes With Ground Beef
What is Ground Beef?
Ground beef is usually made from freshly ground beef or beef trimmings. It is widely used in Mexican recipes, as it is affordable and easy to prepare. Ground beef can be found in a variety of cuts, including chuck, round, and sirloin. It can also be blended with other cuts of beef, like flank or skirt steak, to create a unique flavor. Ground beef is a great source of protein, iron, and zinc, and it’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of dishes.
Why Use Ground Beef in Mexican Recipes?
Ground beef is an essential ingredient in Mexican recipes, as it provides a flavorful and filling base for the dish. Ground beef is also an inexpensive way to add protein to a dish, and it can be used in many different ways. Ground beef is an ideal choice for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and other Tex-Mex favorites. It can also be used to make flavorful chili, albondigas, and beef-filled empanadas.
How to Cook Ground Beef for Mexican Recipes
Ground beef should be cooked until it is thoroughly cooked through. To ensure that the beef is cooked properly, it should be cooked over medium-high heat and stirred frequently. If the beef is browned too quickly, it can become dry and tough. To avoid this, it’s important to add a small amount of fat, like oil or butter, to the pan when cooking ground beef. Ground beef should also be seasoned with salt and pepper before cooking to bring out its flavor.
Easy Taco Recipe with Ground Beef
This easy taco recipe is a classic Mexican dish that’s sure to please. Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and adding 2 tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, add 1 pound of ground beef and season with 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook the beef for about 5 minutes until it is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
To Make the Tacos:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add 1 diced onion, 1 diced bell pepper, and 1 diced jalapeno pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the cooked ground beef to the pan and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Add 1 can of diced tomatoes and 1 can of refried beans and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10 minutes.
To assemble the tacos, heat up a package of tortillas in the microwave for 1 minute. Place a few spoonfuls of the ground beef mixture into the center of each tortilla and top with your favorite taco toppings like cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and tomatoes. Serve the tacos warm and enjoy!
Cheese-Stuffed Beef Empanadas
These cheesy beef empanadas are a delicious Mexican recipe that’s sure to be a hit. Start by preheating the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 pound of ground beef and season with 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook the beef for about 5 minutes until it is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
To Make the Filling:
In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced onion, 1 diced bell pepper, and 1 diced jalapeno pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the cooked ground beef to the pan and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Add 1 can of diced tomatoes and 1 can of refried beans and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10 minutes. Add 1 cup of shredded cheese to the mixture and stir until the cheese is melted. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
To Assemble the Empanadas:
Roll out a package of store-bought empanada dough and cut out 8 circles. Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each circle and then fold the circles in half. Use a fork to crimp the edges of the empanadas to seal them. Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and brush with egg wash. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the empanadas are golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
Conclusion
Ground beef is a versatile and affordable ingredient that can be used in a variety of Mexican recipes. It’s a great way to add flavor and protein to dishes like tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and empanadas. Ground beef should be cooked over medium-high heat and seasoned with salt and pepper before cooking. Whether you’re looking for a classic taco recipe or something more unique, these Mexican recipes with ground beef are sure to please.