Beef Tacos

Caitlin and I have been watching Breaking Bad recently, a show whose plot-lines and premise may be as addicting as the “blue stuff” that plays such a critical role in the show.  Over the last few weeks, we’ve watched episode after episode, pinned to the couch or nestled in bed, watching Jesse and Walter navigate a world of dirty money, secret drops, federal agents, and violent cartels.  As one episode ends, we have increasingly found ourselves reaching for the next, swapping Netflix disks with such speed that we often find it necessary to download an episode or two from iTunes, unable to wait for the return mailer.

While the show has certainly taken over some of our evenings, it is not entirely responsible for the prolonged absence of posts on the blog.  That, of course, is also the fault of long commutes, a new job, and the everyday chores and obligations of life.  That being said, these beef tacos are the perfect recipe after a long day.  Ready in just under thirty minutes, they are warm and comforting, and delicious.

As with most tacos, you can add or subtract at will.  Throw in some sizzling vegetables, add a dollop of guacamole or sour cream.  Dice some tomatoes and onions for some pico de gallo.   Dirty rice and black beans would work as well.

With an eye towards Breaking Bad and the traffic south-of-the-border, there are beef tacos.  They may not match the addictiveness of the blue stuff, but they may yet rival that chicken from Los Pollos Hermanos.

beef tacos

PREP TIME: 15 minutes
COOK TIME: 15 minutes
YIELD: Serves 4

WHAT TO GRAB:
1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup barbeque sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground chili powder
1 jalapeno seeded and diced
2 dashes Tabasco sauce
Kosher salt and pepper
Corn tortillas or Tacos
1 onion, sliced

HOW YOU DO IT:

1.   In a medium sauce pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.  Add the sliced onions and saute until golden brown, stirring occasionally.

2.  Meanwhile, in a large pan or skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.  Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef.   Add the barbeque sauce, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, diced jalapeno, and Tabasco sauce.  Mix well and continue cooking until the ground beef is entirely cooked through.

3.  Warm the corn tortillas in the oven and serve with the sauteed onions and ground beef.  Chopped tomatoes, lettuce, and/or sour cream will also make excellent accompaniments.