Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Two For One...Dinner Style...Ground Beef Tacos

Every day it happens...like clock work.  5 pm rolls around and My Oldest comes in...I'm STARVING!  What's for dinner?  I tell her and she is usually pleased at whatever it is I'm cooking.  My Youngest comes strolling in.  What's for dinner?  She asks very politely.  I tell her.  Not tha-aaat.  I don't like that.  Sigh.

Whatever.  I am not usually the type of Mom to make more than one meal, so they just have to eat what I cook...or they don't eat.  The only exception to this rule, as my sister knows, is if I...or she (which is usually the case) make something the girls have never eaten and I have a hunch they will not like, then I will break out the nuggets for then, but make them at least try the unusual offerings of the night.

My favorite thing to do, and the reason I'm starting this series, is to get two meals out of one prepared food item.  It saves me time and mental strain.  I know immediately what we're having for dinner and it is so much quicker to prepare.  And, come on home chefs out there...isn't half the battle just figuring out what you're going to make.  This is your sanity-saver!  Here's how this series is going to work.  On Wednesday I will post the recipe number one.  On Thursday I will post what you make from Wednesday's left overs.  I am cooking for a family of four.  Please adjust amounts to suit your family size.  My cooking does accommodate lunches for The Mister, too.  Okay, got it?  Simple.  Easy.  Good.

Day 1: Tacos
2 lbs Ground Beef
1 onion, diced
2 cans beans, drained (I used one can Red Kidney and one can Black...use what you like)  Adding the beans extends the quantity of meat...and gets those healthy legumes in your diet.  If you don't do this already, start.  Your family won't notice a difference.
1 packet taco seasoning (I use McCormick...you can make your own...cumin, garlic salt, oregano, chili powder...)
Diced pepper if you want (I have Padron's growing, so I used a couple)
Salt and Pepper to taste
 The Fixins
Tortillas or taco shells
Lettuce
Salsa
Cheese
Sour Cream....and whatever it is you like on tacos.

In a large skillet heat a couple TBL of oil over medium-high heat.  Brown beef, diced onion and pepper (if using) until cooked through, season with salt and pepper.  Once cooked, throw in your beans and taco seasoning.  Stir and reduce heat to low and let simmer for a few minutes while you prep the rest of your meal and get the table set.  If you find it looks too thick, you can add a smidge of water.

Toss together a tasty taco and serve with some melon and Spanish Rice.

I hold my daughters' tortillas closed with a toothpick.  This makes it easier for them to pick it up and eat.  Try not to poke yourself!  And remember, save your leftovers for tomorrow!!

Enjoy!

Thanks for reading!

shared here:
Crafty Thursday Obsessions


Heather

4 comments:

  1. I cook double for dinner, so we have leftovers for lunch the next day. I also tell my children I am not a restaurant...

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  2. I didn't make more than one meal either. I was a "you'll eat it and like it!" kind of mom. The kids survived! These look nommy! :P

    -andi

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  3. mmmm you know you're not allowed to cook certain things for Julian when we meet, add that to the list. I have to say I love the theory behind this but with 2 teenage boys if they sniff leftovers, they're gone. I would still cook this just for the tacos though :)

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  4. What a great series idea Heather! Even with just Sam and I, cooking 2 meals in one is a great idea!

    ReplyDelete

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