Jiffy Tacos
Juicy ground beef tacos with seasoned meat, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and melted cheese, perfect for casual dinners or Taco Tuesdays with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crumble ground beef into a 1 1/2-quart casserole.
- Add chopped onion, catsup, chili powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Microwave at high for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring at 2-minute intervals.
- Drain away grease from the cooked meat.
- Spoon 3 tablespoons of meat mixture into each taco shell.
- Top with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
- Serve with commercial taco sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cumin or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. For a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use lentils or black beans instead. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also elevate the dish. Be sure to check out other Mexican recipes for more inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
These tacos are great served with a side of refried beans or Spanish rice. You can also pair them with a fresh salad or a bowl of guacamole for added flavor. For a fun twist, serve with Merry'S Cinqo De Mayo Tex-Mex Dip to complement the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover taco filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If the taco shells are soggy, you can crisp them in the oven for a few minutes before filling them again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jiffy Tacos contains roughly 171 calories, with 7g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1135mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).
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 use different types of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well in this recipe. Adjust cooking times as necessary, especially for leaner meats.
What toppings can I add to my tacos?
Feel free to customize with toppings like diced avocados, jalapeños, or sour cream. Fresh cilantro and lime wedges also enhance the flavors. Experiment with your favorite toppings for a personal touch.
How can I make these tacos spicier?
To increase the heat, add more chili powder or include fresh diced jalapeños in the meat mixture. A spoonful of chipotle sauce can also add a smoky flavor with extra spice.
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).