The Best Ground Beef Tacos

author mel's kitchen cafe

yield 4-6 servings

Note:  I made these tonight and loved them!  Maria

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup chopped white or yellow onion
• 1 to 3 garlic cloves, finely minced, or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8-ounce can tomato sauce
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely minced (optional)
• Taco shells
• Taco toppings of choice

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey, onion, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often and breaking the meat into small pieces, until the meat is cooked through, 5-7 minutes.
2. Off the heat, drain any excess grease, if needed.
3. Return the skillet to the heat and stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, coriander, salt and pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds until the mixture smells fragrant.
4. Add the tomato sauce and minced jalapeños, if using. Simmer the mixture for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
5. Serve in taco shells with your choice of toppings (makes great taco salad, too!)  

Macaroni and Cheese

1 to 1 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni, rigatoni or spinach egg noodles (about 6 oz)
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup flour
1 3/4 cups milk
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

Cook macaroni as directed.  Cook and stir butter, onion, salt and pepper over medium heat until onion is slightly tender.  Blend in flour.  Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat.  Stir in milk.  Heat to boiling, stirring constantly.  Boil and stir 1 minute; remove from heat. Stir in cheese until melted.

Place macaroni in ungreased 1 1/2 quart casserole dish.  Stir cheese sauce into macaroni.  Cook uncovered in 375 degree oven for 30 minutes.  5 servings.

Note:  I got this recipe from Cherise :-).