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Flavorful Mom’s Cast Iron Street Taco Filling

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A quick and easy street taco filling recipe cooked in a cast iron skillet, perfect for Cinco de Mayo or any festive occasion. This recipe delivers bold, authentic Mexican flavors with simple ingredients and minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean; can substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (preferably avocado oil)
  • 1 small white onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano (preferably Mexican oregano)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Optional: diced jalapeño for extra heat

Instructions

  1. Heat the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Wait until the oil shimmers (about 2 minutes).
  2. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and slightly golden.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet in one even layer. Let it sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a crust, then break it up with a spatula.
  5. Season the beef with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine evenly and toast the spices briefly in the beef fat for about a minute.
  6. Cook the meat for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully browned and cooked through with some crispy bits.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in fresh chopped cilantro and lime juice.
  8. Warm corn tortillas on a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame until pliable and slightly charred.
  9. Assemble tacos by spooning the filling into tortillas and topping with diced onions, salsa, avocado, or crumbled queso fresco as desired.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper searing. Toast spices in the beef fat for enhanced flavor. Fresh lime juice and cilantro added at the end brighten the dish. Can prep filling a day ahead and reheat gently with a splash of water. For a smoky twist, finish under broiler for 2-3 minutes. Use corn tortillas for gluten-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: street tacos, taco filling, cast iron skillet, Cinco de Mayo, Mexican recipe, quick dinner, easy taco recipe

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/flavorful-moms-cast-iron-street-taco-filling-easy-recipe-for-cinco-de-mayo/