Tacos are a beloved Mexican dish that has gained immense popularity worldwide. Consisting of a corn or wheat tortilla folded or rolled around a savory filling, tacos offer a versatile culinary canvas for a myriad of flavors and textures. From the classic Al Pastor, featuring marinated pork shoulder, to the spicy and smoky Birria, stewed in a rich broth, and the ever-popular Carne Asada, grilled steak bursting with flavor, tacos cater to diverse palates. This article presents a comprehensive guide to taco fillings, encompassing both traditional and innovative recipes that will tantalize your taste buds. With step-by-step instructions and insightful tips, you'll discover the secrets to creating authentic and delicious taco fillings that will make your next taco night an unforgettable feast. So, get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we explore the diverse world of taco fillings!
Here are our top 20 tried and tested recipes!
GROUND BEEF TACO FILLING
I have a recipe posted for taco seasoning and it's my go-to recipe anytime I need a package of taco seasoning mix - tastes so much better than the packaged stuff. For the last several years, I've written down the following recipe for every bridal shower I've attended where I was asked to bring a recipe. I finally decided that I should post it here. Serve with your favorite taco topping or as a salad or nachos. This recipe may also be used with ground turkey.
Provided by LARavenscroft
Categories Meat
Time 35m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Coat a large skillet with spray oil.
- Add ground beef to skillet along with garlic.
- Cook over medium heat until browned - about 10 minutes.
- Add dried onion, chili powder, oregano, cumin, salt, cinnamon and red pepper and stir well.
- Add tomato paste and beef broth.
- Bring to a boil and reduce heat, simmering until the liquid is reduced - about 15-20 minutes.
- Serve with your favorite taco toppings.
TACO FILLING
Fold this Mexican-style mixture into corn tortillas for our Beef Tacos, or try it in our Classic Taco Salad, on top of sweet potatoes, or as a hearty addition to stews.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Beef Recipes Ground Beef Recipes
Time 45m
Yield Makes 6 cups
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions; cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, jalapeno, chili powder, cumin, and coriander; cook, stirring, 1 minute.
- Add beef; cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes; cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid has evaporated, 15 to 20 minutes. Season generously with salt.
CHICKEN TACO FILLING
This recipe is easy, yet delicious when used in tacos or other Mexican cuisine. Try it for enchiladas and nachos too.
Provided by Dianna Brown-Brenny
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American Mexican
Time 6h5m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Mix chicken broth and taco seasoning in a bowl.
- Place chicken breasts in a slow cooker and pour chicken broth mixture over chicken.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours.
- Shred chicken to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 144.8 calories, Carbohydrate 6 g, Cholesterol 58.5 mg, Fat 2.3 g, Protein 22 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 694.7 mg, Sugar 1.5 g
VEGAN BEAN TACO FILLING
Taco filling using fried beans as its base. Great with taco shells, tortillas, or chips.
Provided by BandE
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American Mexican
Time 30m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until tender. Stir in mashed beans. Add the cornmeal. Mix in cumin, paprika, cayenne, chili powder, and salsa. Cover, and cook 5 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 141.8 calories, Carbohydrate 24 g, Fat 2.5 g, Fiber 8.6 g, Protein 7.5 g, SaturatedFat 0.4 g, Sodium 596.3 mg, Sugar 2.1 g
ARRACHERA (SKIRT STEAK TACO FILLING)
This is a steak we buy at the local Mexican store and season it with beer and sazon and grill it along with the tortillas. Serve with beans, rice, and tortillas. Use your favorite beer to make these; we use Corona®. Serve on warm tortillas with rice, beans, and salsa verde!
Provided by Sherbear1
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American Mexican
Time 2h19m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Sprinkle each piece of skirt steak with the sazon and white pepper. Stack the seasoned steaks in a deep dish as you season them. Pour the beer over the steaks. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil the grate. Remove the steaks from the dish and discard the marinade.
- Cook the skirt steaks on the prepared grill until they are very firm, hot, and gray in the center, 7 to 10 minutes per side.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 150 calories, Carbohydrate 1.9 g, Cholesterol 33.7 mg, Fat 6.2 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 18.5 g, SaturatedFat 2.5 g, Sodium 1286.3 mg
MICHAEL'S TACOS WITH CHICKEN TACO FILLING
Provided by Michael Chiarello : Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 50m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- Heat a large saute pan over medium heat and pour in enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Add the garlic and onions and cook until soft and nicely caramelized, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- In the meantime, season the chicken with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and toss to coat. Heat another large saute pan over medium-high heat and add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Cook the chicken until it is lightly browned, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Once the onion mixture is caramelized and softened, add the serranos, paprikas, cumin, and oregano. When the chicken is done, transfer it to the pan with the onions. Pour in the broth or water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce is thick and delicious, approximately 20 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- To serve the tacos: Put the toppings and chicken filling in bowls and allow guests to build their own tacos.
SOY CHORIZO TACO FILLING
Taco filling using soy chorizo sausage is served in warmed corn tortillas, with baby greens, and black beans for a veggie taco that will satisfy vegans and carnivores alike!
Provided by Ms.Brittania
Categories 100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes Vegetarian Protein
Time 30m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chorizo and cook until slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add bell peppers and onion and cook until slightly soft but still firm, about 5 minutes more. Add water and taco seasoning. Stir until thoroughly mixed and water is bubbly. Reduce heat to medium and let water reduce, 3 to 4 minutes. Add hot sauce and paprika.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 76.5 calories, Carbohydrate 5.4 g, Fat 5 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 3.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.9 g, Sodium 261 mg, Sugar 1.4 g
TACO FILLING (GROUND BEEF)
This recipe was passed to me from my Mothers Best friend. When she was going to make Tacos everyone would just happen to drop by.
Provided by Rhonda O
Categories Meat
Time 30m
Yield 12 regular Taco Shells, 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Brown ground beef with onion drain.
- Add other ingredients.
- Simmer add more seasoning to taste.
- This can be a little dry.
- This is not Health Food!
- I have added a little cooking oil to the Mix.
- Add salt and pepper.
- Add ground beef to your favorite Taco shells.
- Top with cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomato, etc.
- Enjoy!
VEGETARIAN LENTIL TACO 'MEAT FILLING' SUBSTITUTE (CROCK POT)
This taco filling is a healthier alternative to the meat version. I found this recipe on a "runners" message board where the posters were raving how much this tasted as good as a meat filling. I actually like it better than the fillings made with ground beef. It tastes great in taco shells on taco salads and anywhere you'd normally use a meat taco filling.
Provided by bdankanich
Categories Lentil
Time 8h10m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Put everything in the crock pot and cook on high for 8-12 hours, stirring occasionally and adding water as needed.
- use as you would a meat taco filling.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 74.6, Fat 0.8, SaturatedFat 0.1, Sodium 143.6, Carbohydrate 12.8, Fiber 5.7, Sugar 1.6, Protein 4.8
TOFU TACO/BURRITO FILLING
This is derived and slightly adapted from the "Tofu-chiladas" recipe in "Vegetarian Meals for People on the Go" by Vimala Rodgers. If you're vegetarian, it's a nice alternative to beans in your Mexican food. My husband said I could probably pass it off to meat-eaters as eggs in a breakfast burrito. I would never try to fool anyone, though.
Provided by Prose
Categories Soy/Tofu
Time 20m
Yield 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Optional for more texture: Freeze tofu overnight. Thaw by boiling for 15 minutes.
- Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.
- Add aminos, tomato paste and spices to pan. Stir well.
- Squeeze the water out of the tofu with a dishtowel. Crumble it finely into the pan (so that it vaguely has the texture of ground beef). Cook, stirring occasionally, a few minutes or until slightly browned.
- Drain most of the liquid off the tomatoes, then add to pan. Stir and cook a few more minutes.
ANCHO-CUMIN CHICKEN TACO FILLING
From a local source. I had on hand 1.25 pounds of boneless chicken thighs reducing the amount of cumin powder to 1 1/2 tablespoons and 1 1/2 tablespoons of ancho chile powder. I made my own ancho chili powder with one roasted whole dried ancho chili. The membrane, stem and seeds were removed and ground the chili in a spice grinder/coffee mill.
Provided by COOKGIRl
Categories Chicken
Time 21m
Yield 10-12 tacos
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- PULSE the chicken chunks in a food processor about 6-8 times briefly to chop chicken into small pieces, *being careful not to overprocess*.
- In a large bowl, stir together the cumin powder, chili powder and salt.
- Place the chopped chicken into the bowl and toss with spices to combine well.
- Heat the coconut oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Add chicken in a single layer and cook, undisturbed, about one minute. Stir chicken and continue to cook until chicken is cooked through, about five minutes or so, stirring often and breaking up any large chunks with your spoon.
- To serve, spoon chicken mixture onto freshly made tortillas and top with the sides of your choice.
- Note: I made tostadas using a masa mix and we enjoyed our tostadas with the garnishes listed above except I didn't have time to make tomatillo salsa. The menu: tostadas were served with freshly cooked whole black beans (very lightly seasoned with S/P), and fresh strawberries.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 145.2, Fat 6.1, SaturatedFat 3, Cholesterol 58.1, Sodium 859.6, Carbohydrate 2.7, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 0.3, Protein 20.1
ADZUKI BEAN TACO/BURRITO FILLING
These small red beans have a texture and flavor that approximates ground beef, in my opinion, but you could also use black beans or pinto beans in this recipe. Cooking time includes soaking the beans overnight.
Provided by Prose
Categories Beans
Time 10h15m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Soak beans overnight in 4 cups water.
- Drain and rinse.
- In a large pot, sautee onions and garlic in oil.
- Add beans and 2-4 cups of water (enough to cover). Bring to a simmer.
- Add bouillon and bay leaf. Cook 1 hour, adding more water if necessary.
- Add taco seasoning and crushed red pepper. Cook an additional 30 minutes or until water is reduced.
- Remove bay leaf. Mash or blend about half the beans (I use an immersion blender) until the texture is similar to taco meat. Taste and stir in more seasonings if desired.
SHREDDED PORK TACO FILLING
This amalgamation of recipes produces a very mild shredded pork taco filling: tasty, but not as intensely Mexican as one might prefer. I suggest using this as a basis and adapting to suit with the addition of various peppers, sauces, spices, etc. The true beauty of this recipe is that it can be made in a pressure cooker in about an hour. Serve in corn or flour tortillas.
Provided by AKrause
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American Mexican
Time 1h15m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Combine the garlic powder, cumin, coriander, oregano, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Thoroughly rub the spice mixture over the pork.
- Place the roast in a pressure cooker with the beef broth, bay leaves, and onion over medium-high heat. Seal the cooker, and bring to full pressure; reduce the heat to maintain high pressure, and cook for 45 minutes.
- Remove the pressure cooker from the heat and allow the pressure to drop naturally. Transfer the pork to a serving bowl and shred the meat with forks.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 362.8 calories, Carbohydrate 2.5 g, Cholesterol 104.3 mg, Fat 25.5 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 29.3 g, SaturatedFat 9.3 g, Sodium 606.7 mg, Sugar 0.6 g
BEEF MACHACA (TACO FILLING)
This came off a Texas website. Really flavorful. Overnight marinating is needed. You can also crock it after the browning process. Freezes well.
Provided by aronsinvest
Categories Roast Beef
Time 2h15m
Yield 6 , 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- For the marinade, combine all the ingredients in a bowl then whisk them to form an emulsion. Add the beef making sure every piece is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate.
- Marinate the beef overnight in a bowl in the refrigerator. Before preparing, drain thoroughly and allow meat to come up to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- In a large soup pot, heat a few tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat until very hot. Sear the beef a few pieces at a time to develop a rich brown color on all sides as well as on the bottom of the pan. Do this in several batches if the pot is too crowded.
- When all the beef is browned nicely and removed from the pan, add the onions, peppers, and garlic to the hot pan. Sauté for a few minutes then add the remaining ingredients to the pan along with the beef. Bring to a boil, scraping the browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer slowly for about 2 hours. The meat should be very tender and should easily fall apart when pricked with a fork.
- Remove from heat, remove meat to a cutting board and shred with a pair of forks. Return to the pot and bring to a simmer, uncovered. Reduce the liquid until very thick, almost dry. At this point, adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and whatever additional heat you want to add if any.
- Serve with tortillas, cheese, salsa, lettuce and guacamole for a great beef taco. Portion and freeze the remaining machaca in zip lock bags for later use.
TURKEY TACO FILLING
Weight Watchers...but so darn good! Serve this taco filling rolled in tortillas, wrapped in large lettuce leaves or spooned over baked potatoes. It's the beginning of many different Mexican-inspired meals.
Provided by Barenakedchef
Categories High Protein
Time 35m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- 1.
- In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano and cayenne; set aside.
- 2.
- Place turkey in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat; cook, breaking apart meat with back of spoon, until no longer pink, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- 3.
- Sprinkle turkey with reserved seasoning mix and add water; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of liquid is absorbed, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in sugar and vinegar; simmer another 2 to 3 minutes. Yields about 1/2 cup per serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 118.8, Fat 1.3, SaturatedFat 0.3, Cholesterol 52.7, Sodium 676.5, Carbohydrate 4.7, Fiber 1.5, Sugar 2, Protein 21.7
BEEF AND BLACK BEAN TACO FILLING
Make and share this Beef and Black Bean Taco Filling recipe from Food.com.
Provided by JeffieNerd
Categories Meat
Time 1h35m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Season the ground beef with cumin, chili powder and salt. Brown the beef and drain it. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer until the liquid is gone, about 30 minutes.
SLOW COOKER MEATLESS TACO FILLING
A yummy meatless alternative for taco lovers! Serve on tortillas with your favorite taco toppings!
Provided by VegaMama
Categories Main Dish Recipes Taco Recipes Vegetarian Taco Recipes
Time 2h10m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Combine black beans, refried beans, water, textured vegetable protein, salsa, chili powder, onion, paprika, bouillon, sugar, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a slow cooker; stir until well mixed.
- Cover and cook on Low for 2 hours. Stir well and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 350.8 calories, Carbohydrate 53.8 g, Cholesterol 7.8 mg, Fat 2.5 g, Fiber 23.3 g, Protein 39.6 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 1111.1 mg, Sugar 9.9 g
FIREHOUSE MACHACA TACO FILLING
My husband and his fellow firefighters swear by this recipe for machaca (shredded beef.) Excellent meat stuffing for tacos.
Provided by JILL
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American Mexican
Time 2h20m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a stockpot, combine, water, beef and quartered onion. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium low, and simmer covered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until meat is very tender. Strain and reserve broth. Shred meat with 2 forks; set aside.
- Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium high heat. Saute chopped onion and bell pepper until tender. Stir in 1 cup of the reserved broth, shredded beef, salsa, cilantro and jalapenos. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 363.5 calories, Carbohydrate 4.3 g, Cholesterol 96.6 mg, Fat 27.2 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 23.8 g, SaturatedFat 10.3 g, Sodium 180.6 mg, Sugar 2 g
SARAH'S EASY SHREDDED CHICKEN TACO FILLING
I put this together one day, wanting tacos, but I did not want ground beef. It is fast to make, as no slow cooker is needed. Serve warmed as a substitute for ground beef in tacos, and serve in a taco shell, with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, or other favorite toppings.
Provided by Holiday Baker
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American Mexican
Time 40m
Yield 3
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Place chicken breasts into a saucepan and pour in enough water to cover. Place over medium heat, bring to a boil, and simmer until chicken meat is no longer pink, 10 to 12 minutes.
- Transfer chicken breasts to a bowl, allow to cool, and shred the chicken meat with 2 forks.
- Heat vegetable oil in a small non-stick saucepan over medium heat, and cook and stir onion until translucent, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Mix in the shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, and tomato sauce; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer until chicken is hot and the flavors have blended, about 3 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 188.3 calories, Carbohydrate 1.7 g, Cholesterol 78 mg, Fat 6.3 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 29.8 g, SaturatedFat 1.4 g, Sodium 174.9 mg, Sugar 1 g
POTATO TACO FILLING
This is a great recipe from my Grandma. We love these tacos! They are not the most-Mexican tacos around, but they are a family favorite for sure. These take some getting used to for some people, but you will grow to love and crave them. They are great with ketchup. I know it's blasphemy to put ketchup on tacos, but trust me!
Provided by Superchef
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American Mexican
Time 25m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir beef in the hot skillet until some of the fat renders, 1 to 2 minutes; add potatoes, vinegar, garlic, and thyme. Continue to cook the beef mixture, stirring frequently, until the beef is completely browned and crumbly and the potato is soft, 12 to 15 minutes more.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 173.4 calories, Carbohydrate 6.5 g, Cholesterol 49.6 mg, Fat 9.3 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 15.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.6 g, Sodium 47.7 mg, Sugar 0.3 g
Tips:
- Choose high-quality ingredients: Using fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of your taco filling. Look for ripe tomatoes, crisp onions, and tender, juicy meat.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors: There are endless possibilities when it comes to taco fillings. Try adding different spices, herbs, and sauces to create a unique flavor profile. Some popular options include chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, onion, and cilantro.
- Cook the meat properly: The type of meat you use will determine how you cook it. Ground beef and pork can be browned in a skillet, while chicken and shrimp can be grilled, roasted, or sautéed. Make sure to cook the meat until it is cooked through, but not overcooked, to prevent it from becoming dry and tough.
- Use fresh vegetables: Fresh vegetables add a pop of color, flavor, and texture to taco fillings. Some popular options include tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and bell peppers. You can also add other vegetables, such as corn, black beans, or zucchini.
- Don't forget the toppings: Toppings are what really make tacos special. Some popular options include cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and pico de gallo. You can also add other toppings, such as pickled onions, sliced avocado, or jalapenos.
Conclusion:
Taco fillings are a versatile and delicious way to enjoy tacos. With so many different ingredients and flavor combinations to choose from, there are endless possibilities. Whether you are looking for a classic beef taco filling or something more unique and creative, you are sure to find a recipe that you will love. So get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own signature taco filling.
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