Taco Stir-Fry
A flavorful taco stir-fry combining seasoned ground beef, vegetables, melted cheese, and crispy corn chips, perfect for a hearty and satisfying Mexican-inspired meal for family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 c. whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. grated mild Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 (9 1/2 oz.) pkg. corn chips ⓘ
- 2 small heads Boston lettuce ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and chopped onion in oil in a large skillet, stirring until crumbly.
- Pour off drippings.
- Stir in corn, tomatoes, chili powder, sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Simmer, covered, over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Stir in 1 cup of cheese and corn chips; cook until cheese is partially melted.
- Place shredded lettuce on a serving platter.
- Spoon the ground beef mixture over the lettuce.
- Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup of cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative. You can also use diced bell peppers or zucchini for added vegetables. If you prefer more heat, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Serve with a side of sour cream or guacamole for extra flavor. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to fit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the taco stir-fry over the shredded lettuce for a fresh crunch. It pairs beautifully with Brenda'S Nachos for a fun twist on taco night. You can also offer sides like Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal. For a casual gathering, set up a taco bar with various toppings such as diced tomatoes, olives, and avocado.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the mixture in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if it appears dry. You can also microwave portions in a covered dish, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Taco Stir-Fry contains roughly 951 calories, with 13g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 92g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value) and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1364mg per serving (59% 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 make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or using more beans and vegetables. Black beans or lentils work well, and adding extra spices can enhance the flavor.
What can I use instead of corn chips?
If you don't have corn chips, you can use tortilla chips or even crushed tortilla wraps for a similar crunch. Alternatively, serve the taco stir-fry over rice or use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add spice to your taco stir-fry, consider incorporating diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce during cooking. You can also use a spicier chili powder blend or serve with a spicy salsa on the side.
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).