Kids and a Cook: Taco Night

February 18, 2010January 5, 2011 Michelle Day appearances, corn tortillas, foods, nutrition, tacos

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7ru2CO4Poc

Kid’s Favorite Beefy Taco-Burritos

Kids love the taste of tacos, but not necessarily the taco shells. They break when bitten into and all the fillings drop out. The shell makes them hard to eat and a bigger clean up for parents. This is a basic taco recipe that we are wrapping in a corn tortilla. You get the same taco taste without the hassle! Plus corn provides certain health benefits or addresses dietary issues with wheat or flour. For instance, many corn tortillas are Gluten Free.

I’ve made a version of this recipe in my ‘family fun cooking class’ and it was a big hit, mostly for its’ straightforward ease and use of everyday ingredients.

To get your Kids interested, set up a taco bar with them. It’s much more fun. Place the tortillas, ground beef, all your garnishes, cheese and the lettuce in separate bowls, along side dishes and utensils. Let everyone make his or her own burritos.

Ingredients:

1 Lb. Lean Ground Beef (90% lean)
½ Cup Onion, finely chopped
1 Tsp. Canola Oil
2 Tsp. Ground Cumin
2 Tsp. Chili Powder
½ tsp. Garlic Powder
½ Tsp Kosher Salt
½ Cup Water
8 Corn Tortillas (or 100% Whole Wheat or Flour)
2 Cups Red Leaf Lettuce, shredded (Spinach works well too.)
2 Cups Mexican Cheese Blend, shredded (Cheddar and Jack blends)
¼ Tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional for extra heat)

Toppings: Any of your family favorites: Salsa, Picante Sauce, Red Hot, sour cream, and guacamole.

Preheat your oven to 350 F degrees– to warm the tortillas. This can also be done in the microwave. Just slightly dampen the shells before nuking for a few seconds.

On the stovetop, heat a skillet with the canola oil over medium and add the chopped onions. We are using canola oil because of its high smoke point. When the onions are translucent add the ground beef and brown evenly, stirring to break up the beef. You don’t need to over brown the beef here. We will cook it some more.

Add your spices and the water. Stir well and bring to boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 8 – 10 minutes.

While you are waiting, heat your tortillas. It will take 3 –5 minutes in the oven and about 10 -15 seconds per shell in the microwave.

Remove the ground beef and the tortillas from heat and serve.

Look for an informational update about Corn Tortilla on website.