Floating Taco

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Mexican

A flavorful, hearty dish featuring seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and fresh toppings, perfect for taco lovers seeking a comforting and customizable meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. hamburger
  • 1 onion
  • 12 oz. tomato paste
  • 3 c. water
  • 2 Tbsp. sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1 (16 oz.) can pork and beans
  • 1 c. cooked rice
  • 3 tsp. oregano
  • 3 tsp. cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. Cajun spice
  • 1 head lettuce
  • 6 c. diced tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Brown the hamburger and onion in a skillet.
  2. Combine the browned meat and onion with tomato paste, water, sugar, garlic, pork and beans, cooked rice, oregano, cumin, and Cajun spice in a crock-pot.
  3. Simmer on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  4. Serve the sauce over taco chips, topping with shredded Cheddar cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, and other desired toppings.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. If you're out of pork and beans, you can substitute them with black beans or kidney beans for a different flavor profile. Using pre-cooked rice can save time, and feel free to swap out the Cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or a vegan alternative if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Floating Taco mixture over crispy taco chips and top with shredded Cheddar cheese, chopped lettuce, and diced tomatoes. This dish pairs beautifully with Homemade Taco Dip or a fresh side of Green Chile Hominy for a complete meal. Consider offering a selection of toppings like avocado, sour cream, or sliced olives for guests to customize their plates.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems too thick. You can also microwave portions for quick meals, ensuring they are heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Floating Taco contains roughly 1726 calories, with 72g protein, 186g carbohydrates, and 90g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (152% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1909mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).

1726 kcal 86% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 72.1g 100% DV
Total Fat 90.5g 100% DV
Carbs 186.1g 68% DV
Fiber 42.5g 100% DV
Sugar 7.9g 16% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1909.3mg 83% DV
Potassium 2989.9mg 64% DV
Cholesterol 154.1mg 51% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 360.6mcg 40% DV
Vitamin C 53.7mg 60% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 3% DV
Calcium 2000mg 100% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld. Store it in the refrigerator and simply reheat before serving. This makes it a convenient option for gatherings or busy weeknights.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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