Looking for a dinner that’s seriously delicious, packed with good-for-you stuff, and on the table in a flash? You’ve landed in the right spot! I’m Daniel, and I started Reciqa because I truly believe that cooking should be a joy, not a chore. It’s all about those comforting meals that bring people together and create happy kitchen memories. My goal is to share simple recipes that taste amazing, whether you’re whipping up a speedy weeknight dinner or something a little more special. These veggie-packed tacos are a perfect example of that philosophy – a fantastic ground beef recipe that’s as easy as it is satisfying!
Gather Your Ingredients for Delicious Veggie-Packed Tacos
Alright, let’s get ready to whip up some seriously tasty veggie-packed tacos! The secret to these amazing flavor bombs is starting with fresh, vibrant ingredients. You’ll see we’ve got a rainbow of veggies and some pantry staples that are just begging to be turned into something spectacular. Trust me, taking a few extra moments to gather everything makes the cooking process so much smoother and, well, more fun!
Core Ingredients for Your Ground Beef Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this incredible ground beef recipe sing. First up, grab about a pound of extra lean ground beef – it’s the hearty base for our taco filling. Then, we’re loading it up with goodness! You’ll want one large yellow onion, finely chopped, which will give us about a cup of sweet oniony goodness. Next, two bell peppers, also finely chopped, bringing about two cups of colorful crunch. Don’t forget three cloves of garlic, minced up nice and small, about a tablespoon’s worth – that’s where a lot of the magic happens! A couple of tablespoons of tomato paste add a lovely depth, and a cup of frozen corn brings a pop of sweetness and texture that’s just perfect. These simple components are the building blocks for something truly delicious.
Homemade Taco Seasoning Blend
Now, for the star of the show – the flavor! Forget those packets; making your own taco seasoning is a game-changer. It’s so easy and tastes a million times better. You’ll need 1 tablespoon of chili powder to bring the heat, followed by 1 and ½ teaspoons of cumin for that signature smoky flavor. A teaspoon of fine sea salt to make everything pop, and ½ teaspoon each of paprika and garlic powder for extra oomph. We’ll also add ¼ teaspoon each of onion powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Whisking this all together means you control the spice and flavor, making your taco filling truly irresistible! For more information on the benefits of spices, you can check out this resource on herbs and spices.
How to Prepare Your Veggie-Packed Tacos
Okay, let’s get these amazing veggie-packed tacos on the table! It’s honestly so simple, you’ll wonder why you ever bought those pre-made taco kits. We’re going to build layers of flavor starting right in the skillet. This is where the magic really happens, transforming basic ingredients into a filling that’s bursting with taste. Get ready for some seriously good smells to fill your kitchen!
Sautéing the Foundation for Flavor
First things first, grab a big skillet and get it nice and warm over medium heat. Toss in your pound of ground beef and get busy breaking it up with your spoon. Let it cook until it’s all browned up, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Once that beef is cooked, drain off any extra grease if you need to. Now, toss in your finely chopped onion and those colorful bell peppers. Stir them around often, letting them soften up nicely, about 7 minutes should do it. Just when you start smelling that wonderful aroma, add your minced garlic and let it dance in the pan for just another minute until it’s fragrant. This is the base of our fantastic ground beef recipe!
Simmering for Perfect Taco Filling
Now for the flavor boost! Stir in that tomato paste, making sure it coats all the goodness in the pan. Then, add in your cup of frozen corn – no need to thaw it, it’ll cook right up. Sprinkle in all that glorious homemade taco seasoning you mixed earlier. Give everything a good stir to combine, and let it all simmer together for about 5 minutes. This is where all those spices really meld with the veggies and beef. You want to let it cook uncovered for another 5 minutes or so, just to let some of the extra liquid evaporate and thicken up the filling perfectly for your bell pepper tacos and corn tacos.
Tips for Perfecting Your Ground Beef Recipe
Making these veggie-packed tacos is pretty straightforward, but a few little tricks can really elevate your ground beef recipe from good to absolutely amazing. First off, don’t skimp on chopping your veggies finely! This helps them cook evenly and meld into the beef beautifully. Also, when you’re sautéing the onions and peppers, give them enough time to really soften up – that sweetness is key! If you like a little more heat, feel free to bump up the red pepper flakes in the seasoning blend. And remember that simmering step? Letting the filling bubble away uncovered for those last few minutes is crucial for getting that perfect, not-too-soupy consistency that holds up so well in your tacos. Trust me, these little details make all the difference!
Frequently Asked Questions About Veggie-Packed Tacos
Got questions about these fantastic veggie-packed tacos? I’ve got you covered! It’s always good to know you can tweak recipes to fit your life and taste buds. Let’s dive into some common queries so you can make these tacos perfectly for you and your crew.
Making Ahead and Storing Your Taco Filling
Absolutely! One of the best things about this ground beef recipe is that the filling is perfect for making ahead. Just follow the steps, let the mixture cool completely, and then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights!
Customizing Your Bell Pepper Tacos
Oh, you can totally customize these bell pepper tacos! If you want to add more veggies, try finely chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or even some diced sweet potato. For extra spice, just add more red pepper flakes to the taco seasoning. And for serving, these are amazing in warm corn tacos, but they’re also great in flour tortillas or even served over rice or salad! For more ideas on creative taco fillings, check out our main dishes category.
Nutritional Insights for Your Ground Beef Recipe
Just so you know what you’re working with, here’s a little peek at the estimated nutritional info for this awesome ground beef recipe. Remember, these numbers are just a ballpark figure per serving (that’s about 1/6th of the whole batch), and they can change a bit depending on exactly what you use. It’s pretty neat to see how much protein and fiber you get in these flavorful tacos!
| Nutritional Information (Estimated) | Per Serving (1/6th of recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 10g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Sugar | 5g |
Storing and Reheating Your Veggie-Packed Tacos
One of the best things about this veggie-packed tacos recipe is how easy it is to handle leftovers! If you happen to have any of that delicious filling left (which I doubt!), storing it is a breeze. Just pop it into an airtight container and it’ll be good in the fridge for up to 4 days. Perfect for lunches or another quick dinner later in the week. You can even freeze this taco mixture for up to 3 months, which is a total lifesaver for those “what’s for dinner?” emergencies. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, giving it a stir now and then, or pop it in the microwave until it’s nice and warm. So simple!
Amazing Veggie-Packed Tacos, 10 Min Prep
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These veggie-packed ground beef tacos are a quick and flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week. Packed with colorful vegetables and seasoned to perfection, they’re a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 lb extra lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion finely chopped, about 1 cup
- 2 bell peppers finely chopped, about 2 cups
- 3 cloves garlic minced, about 1 tbsp
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup frozen corn
- Taco Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 and ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and stir, breaking into pieces until cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- Add the onion and peppers. Sauté, stirring often until nearly softened, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic for an additional minute.
- Stir in the tomato paste, corn and seasonings and simmer for 5 minutes until the corn is cooked through.
- Allow to cook uncovered for about 5 more minutes until the corn is heated through and most of the juices have evaporated.
- Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Store leftover taco mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
