There are few things in life that are as satisfying as a warm, cheesy taco. Unfortunately, making tacos can be a bit of a hassle, especially if you’re short on time. That’s where this microwave taco recipe comes in. This dish is quick, easy, and best of all, delicious. In just a few minutes, you can have a hot, tasty meal that will satisfy your taco cravings.
And if you’re worried about the quality of the tacos, don’t be. This recipe uses fresh ingredients and simple seasonings to create a flavor that is out of this world. So next time you’re in the mood for tacos, give this microwave recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed.
Ingredients Overview
Ground beef
The key to making a great microwaved taco is to start with ground beef that has been cooked thoroughly. This ensures that the beef will be evenly distributed throughout the taco shell, providing plenty of flavor in every bite. Additionally, the beef should be nicely seasoned with salt, pepper, and any other spices you enjoy.
Chili powder
Without chili powder, the tacos would be bland and boring. The chili powder gives the tacos a bit of a kick, and it also helps to bring out the flavor of the other ingredients. And best of all, chili powder is incredibly easy to find and inexpensive to purchase.
Salt
As with any recipe, salt is an important ingredient in tacos. It helps to bring out the flavor of the beef and other ingredients, and it also works to tenderize the meat. A half teaspoon is usually plenty, but feel free to add more or less depending on your personal preferences.
Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper provides a bit of heat, and it also helps to bring out the flavor of the other ingredients. If you don’t like things too spicy, feel free to omit this ingredient or use less than the recipe calls for.
Water
In addition to seasoning the beef, you also need to add a bit of water. If you try to cook beef in the microwave without adding any water, you’re going to end up with dry, rubbery tacos that are about as appetizing as cardboard.
Taco shells, warmed
Taco shells are available in most grocery stores, and they can usually be found near other Mexican food items. Be sure to warm the taco shells before you start filling them, as this will make your taco experience that much better.
Shredded Cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese is a classic taco topping, and for good reason. It’s creamy, flavorful, and it pairs well with the other ingredients. You can use any type of cheese you like, but cheddar is always a good choice.
Shredded lettuce
Shredded lettuce is a classic taco topping, and it helps to add a bit of crunch to the dish. It has a mild flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients, and it’s a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Finely chopped onion
Chopped onion provides a necessary balance to the overall flavor profile of a microwaved taco. The onion helps to cut through the richness of the cheese, providing a much-needed contrast.
Medium tomato, chopped
Many people might not think that tomato is an essential ingredient in a microwave taco recipe, but they would be wrong! Tomato provides a crucial balance of acidity and sweetness that helps to bring out the other flavors in the dish.
Additionally, tomato helps to add a smooth, creamy texture to the tacos. And let’s not forget about the nutritional benefits of tomato – it’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants that are good for your health.
Taco sauce
Taco sauce is essential for giving your tacos that authentic flavor. Without it, your tacos would not be complete. Taco sauce also adds a bit of spice to the mix, making them more flavorful and enjoyable to eat.
Substitutions
If you’re looking for a slightly different take on the classic microwaved taco recipe, consider using some of these substitutions.
Red pepper flakes can be used in place of chili powder to add a touch of heat to the tacos. Paprika can also be used in place of cayenne pepper to provide a milder flavor. If you’re not a fan of cheddar cheese, try using manchego cheese instead. And if you’re looking for something crunchy to top your tacos, consider using endives instead of lettuce.
These are just a few ideas – feel free to experiment and find the perfect combination of ingredients for your taste buds!
Recipe
Yield: 8 Servings
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ cup water
- 8 medium taco shells, warmed
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- taco sauce
Instructions
Now that you know all of the ingredients you’ll need, it’s time to get started on your tacos!
- Crumble the ground beef into a medium bowl.
- Cover and microwave on HIGH for 5 minutes.
- Drain the beef and return it to the bowl.
- Add the chili powder, salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and water.
- Stir until the beef is evenly coated.
- Cover and microwave on HIGH for 4 minutes.
- Remove the beef from the microwave and let it cool for 1 minute.
- Warm the taco shells in the microwave for 45 seconds.
- Fill the taco shells with 2 tablespoons of microwaved beef.
- Top with cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato, and taco sauce. Enjoy!
The Benefits of Eating Tacos
Tacos are more than just delicious food, they’re good for you! That’s right, tacos provide a variety of benefits that make them a great option for any meal. Here are six reasons why you should make tacos a regular part of your diet.
1. Tacos Provide a Balanced Meal
Tacos are the perfect example of a balanced meal. They have all the major food groups represented, including meat, vegetables, grains, and dairy. This makes them a great option for anyone who is looking to get all the nutrients they need in one sitting. Plus, the variety of flavors and textures in each bite keeps things interesting.
2. Healthy Ingredients Provide High Amounts of Vitamins and Minerals
Tacos are typically made with fresh ingredients that are packed with vitamins and minerals. The veggies in your tacos will provide you with fiber, while the meat will give you protein. The cheese and sour cream add calcium and other vitamins to the mix. Basically, tacos are like a multivitamin in food form!
3. Homemade Tacos Can Be Lower in Sodium
If you’re watching your sodium intake, homemade tacos are a great option. When you make your own taco seasoning or use fresh salsa, you can control how much salt goes into your dish. This is much healthier than eating pre-packaged foods that are often loaded with sodium.
4. Breakfast Tacos Are Healthier Than Cereal or Bagels
Not only are breakfast tacos delicious, but they’re also way healthier than traditional breakfast foods like cereal or bagels. Cereal is often loaded with sugar, while bagels are high in carbs and low in protein. Breakfast tacos, on the other hand, have all the nutrients you need to start your day off right. Plus, they’re portable so you can eat them on the go!
5. Tacos Can Fit Into Any Diet, Including Low Carb
Following a low-carb diet doesn’t mean you have to give up tacos! There are plenty of ways to make tacos without using traditional tortillas made from wheat flour. You can use lettuce wraps, almond flour tortillas, or even just eat the fillings without any bread at all. As long as you watch your portion sizes, tacos can easily fit into any diet plan.
6. Chili Peppers Are a Great Source of Minerals and Vitamins
Chili peppers used in many taco recipes are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and folic acid. Chili peppers also contain capsaicin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Storage instructions
Tacos can be tricky to store. If you’re not careful, the taco meat can dry out or the taco shell can become soggy. Here are a few tips to help you store your leftover tacos.
Avoid storing the taco meat and shell together. This will prevent the shell from becoming soggy. For taco shells, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. I don’t recommend freezing taco shells as they can become brittle.
As for the taco meat, the best way to store it is in an airtight container in the fridge. The meat will stay moist for up to four days. You can also freeze the taco meat for up to three months. Use a freezer-safe container or bag to prevent the meat from drying out.
When you’re ready to eat your tacos, you can reheat the meat in the microwave or oven. For the shell, you can place it in the oven or toaster to crisp it up but if you’re short on time, the microwave will do the trick. Just remember that the shell wouldn’t come out as crispy as it would if you heated it in the oven.
Conclusion
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to try out this easy and delicious tacos recipe! Not only are they a balanced meal, but they’re also perfect for any diet. Plus, there are endless possibilities when it comes to toppings so you can customize your tacos however you like. If you’re looking for a quick and healthy dinner option, look no further than this easy tacos recipe.
