Mouthwatering Taco Grande Recipe for a Festive Feast!
Are you craving some Mexican flavors and looking for a satisfying and easy-to-make dish? Look no further than this Taco Grande recipe!
Our Taco Grande recipe is a twist on the classic taco dish, featuring deliciously seasoned ground beef, savory toppings like colby-monterey jack cheese, tangy salsa, crispy lettuce, and green onions. All of this goodness is wrapped up in a flour tortilla that’s perfectly crispy on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside.
But why settle for a boring taco when you can have Taco Grande? This hearty and flavorful meal will satisfy even the biggest appetites and leave you feeling fully satisfied. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners with your family or as a fun and festive way to entertain guests.
Plus, with its easy-to-follow recipe instructions and versatile ingredients list, you can customize your Taco Grande to your liking. Not a fan of beef? Use ground turkey instead! Want to spice things up even more? Add some extra taco seasoning mix to really bring out those Mexican flavors.
Let’s face it – tacos are great, but Taco Grande is even better. So why not treat yourself to one of the finer things in life and make this recipe today? Trust us – once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a delicious and filling meal that will satisfy your cravings? Look no further than the Taco Grande Recipe! This recipe has everything you could want in a taco – savory ground beef or turkey cooked with flavorful taco seasoning, fresh vegetables like iceberg lettuce and green onions, and gooey melted cheese all wrapped up in a warm flour tortilla.
What sets this recipe apart from other tacos is its sheer size – the Taco Grande lives up to its name with its large 8-7 inch flour tortillas capable of holding all of the toppings without bursting at the seams. It truly is an indulgent treat that feels like something meant for finer things in life.
One of the best parts about this recipe is how customizable it can be. You can easily swap out the protein to make it more chicken-centric or try out different types of cheese to mix things up. Even if you’re on a diet, there are plenty of substitutions you can make for a healthy version of this tasty treat.
Another thing to love about the Taco Grande recipe is how easy and fast it is to make. With simple ingredients that are readily available even at your closest grocery store, this recipe can be whipped up in no time at all. Plus, it’s perfect for enjoying fast food “Mexi eats” including limited edition menu items such as Nachos Bellgrande or Chicken Soft Taco and many others as featured by larger brands such as Taco Bell or Papa Murphy’s.
Overall, if you enjoy fast food Mexican options but looking for an upgraded version of it, this dish will become one of your go-to recipes not only for dinner but also as an ingredient in breakfast tacos or burritos such as Mexican Omelet Tacos. I highly recommend giving this Taco Grande recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredient List
Take note of these essential ingredients to make a delectable Taco Grande. You can purchase most of the ingredients at your local grocery store.
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey.
Seasoning Mix
- 1 package of taco seasoning mix or 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning.
Water
- 1/2 cup water.
Flour Tortillas
- 8 (6-7 inch) flour tortillas, divided 1.
Cheese
- 2 cups Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, divided.
Salsa
- 1 jar (16 oz) of salsa.
Toppings
- Shredded iceberg lettuce.
- Diced green onion.
- Sour cream.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the ingredients compiled, let’s start with preparing the taco grande recipe. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make an exceptional dish that will delight your taste buds.
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. Continue cooking until the meat is no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
Step 2: Add Taco Seasoning
Once the meat is browned, add one package of taco seasoning mix and 1/2 cup water to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the meat is fully coated with seasoning and the liquid has reduced.
Step 3: Prepare Your Flour Tortillas
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a separate pan, heat up 8-6/7 inch flour tortillas divided into two batches, flipping them after 45 seconds or until they’re lightly browned on both sides.
Step 4: Assemble Your Taco Grande
Lay out your tortillas on a flat surface and divide your seasoned taco meat evenly among them. Top each serving with salsa, chopped lettuce, sliced green onions, and shredded colby-monterey jack cheese according to your preference.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Roll up each tortilla around the filling tightly, leaving both ends open. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until cheese has melted completely.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from oven and let them cool slightly before garnishing with additional toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced black olives or serving your tacos with extra sides. Drizzle with sour cream for an ultimate flavor punch, now destroy this taco grande recipe masterpiece!
Enjoy this delicious taco grande recipe any day of the week – whether it’s Taco Tuesday or not!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up or cater to specific dietary restrictions, there are several substitutions and variations you can try with the Taco Grande recipe.
Firstly, if you’re not a fan of beef or want a leaner option, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef in this recipe. Simply cook 1 lb of ground turkey with 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning mix and 1 cup water before assembling the dish.
If you prefer chicken tacos, then try swapping the ground beef for shredded chicken. You can use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or poach 2-3 chicken breasts in seasoned water until cooked through. Shred the chicken and mix it with 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning mix and 1/2 cup water to create your delicious taco meat.
For those who follow a vegetarian diet, you can easily make this recipe meat-free by using a plant-based protein option such as tofu or TVP (textured vegetable protein). Cook the tofu or TVP according to package directions with taco seasoning mix and water before adding it to the flour tortillas with all your favorite toppings.
If you want to experiment with different flavors, try adding some garlic powder or cumin to your taco seasoning mix for an extra kick. You could also substitute the traditional colby-monterey jack cheese for something like queso fresco or pepper jack cheese.
Finally, add some additional toppings such as diced tomatoes, black beans, sliced avocado or chopped cilantro for added flavor and texture. The possibilities are endless when it comes to making variations on the Taco Grande recipe while still enjoying all the finer things in life – like a delicious mexican omelet taco grande from Papa Murphy’s – without ever having to leave your home. So get creative and enjoy your fast food mexi eats including Limited Nachos BellGrande or Bell Grande at home!
Serving and Pairing
Taco Grande is one of those dishes that can stand on its own. However, adding some complementary sides and drinks can elevate the entire meal to a new level. If you’re planning to serve Taco Grande for lunch or dinner, it’s important to think about what would best complement this classic Mexican dish.
To start with, I’d recommend serving a fresh salad alongside the Taco Grande. A simple salad of iceberg lettuce and green onions tossed with some tangy dressing will provide a nice contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the dish. You could also add sliced avocado or cherry tomatoes to the salad to give it more depth.
When it comes to drinks, there are several options that pair well with Taco Grande. You could go for a classic Mexican beverage like Horchata, which is a sweet rice milk drink often flavored with cinnamon. Alternatively, if you prefer something more adult, a cold beer or margarita can be an excellent complement to the spicy flavors of Taco Grande.
Finally, don’t forget the toppings! Sour cream, salsa, and shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese are all must-haves when it comes to serving this Taco Grande recipe. Make sure you have plenty on hand for your guests to add as they please.
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to enjoy your Taco Grande in style! Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or hosting a fiesta at home, remember that great food is best enjoyed with great company and good cheer.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to Taco Grande, one of the perks is its ability to make ahead and store for later use. If you’re planning on hosting a party or having a Taco Tuesday feast with your family, you can prep the taco meat in advance, and that too in bulk quantity. Simply brown 1 pound of ground beef with taco seasoning mix (1 package), two cups of water, and cook until the liquid has been absorbed. Allow the mixture to cool before storing it in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 4 days.
If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry; Taco Grande can be reheated easily without losing any of its traditional flavors! You have two options when it comes to reheating: oven or microwave. To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F and spread an even layer of taco meat over large size flour tortillas (divided by half), place it on a baking sheet, sprinkle shredded cheese (Colby-Monterey Jack) on top, and bake for 10-12 minutes until melted, warm and crispy.
Alternatively, if you’re short on time, you can grab your favorite microwave-friendly dish (make sure it has some depth) and layer generous amounts of taco meat over smaller size flour tortillas. Then sprinkle some shredded cheese (Colby-Monterey Jack) as desired over each taco. Finally, microwave the dish for no more than one minute per taco.
Don’t forget to add fresh ingredients like salsa, sour cream, chopped iceberg lettuce or green onion as toppings before serving. These key ingredients help keep your Taco Grande tasting fresh and perfectly balanced every time you reheat it!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to enjoy an unforgettable culinary delight, you have to put all your effort into cooking. So if you are planning to make the Taco Grande Recipe, be ready to give it your all and follow these essential tips for perfect results.
Firstly, ensure that your tortillas are fresh and warm before filling them. I have found that warming the tortillas in a microwave or oven results in a softer and more pliable tortilla. To do this, wrap them in foil and heat them up in a 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven for approximately 8-10 minutes.
Secondly, use lean hamburger meat for your Taco Grande Recipe. This meat has less fat, which ensures that the flavors of the taco seasoning mix and water shine through. You can also experiment with ground turkey or chicken as they work equally well with this recipe too.
Thirdly, when adding the taco seasoning mix to the meat, make sure to follow the instructions closely. Adding too much seasoning can result in a dish that is either overly salty or spicy.
Fourthly, using fresh ingredients is key to any dish’s success, and Taco Grande Recipe is no exception. Consider grating your Colby-Monterey Jack cheese and chopping your iceberg lettuce and green onions right before serving time.
Fifthly, sour cream and salsa can make all the difference when it comes to flavoring Taco Grande Recipe; however, be cautious not to overuse them. Only add what is necessary as both can easily overpower other flavors in the dish.
Lastly, for crispy tortilla shells on top of your finished product, broil the entire dish for two minutes until bubbly and cooked through. Garnish with salsa and green onions before serving hot!
By following these simple yet effective tips, you will nail the Taco Grande Recipe every time you cook it!
FAQ
In case you have got any questions or doubts about the taco grande recipe, this section (9) has been dedicated to answering the frequently asked ones. Personally, I suggest you go through this section before starting off with the recipe for a smooth cooking experience. This will ensure that you are well-equipped with all the necessary information and techniques required to ace the taco grande recipe. So without further ado, let’s dive into some of the most commonly received questions.
What is taco filling made of?
When preparing taco meat, it is recommended to opt for ground beef with a 70-80% lean. This type of meat contains an adequate amount of fat which enhances the flavor of the dish. Additionally, the excess grease can easily be drained before serving. As for the tomato sauce, any variety of canned pureed sauce can be used.
What makes a taco great?
To create a delicious taco, the crucial elements to consider are the tortilla, the protein or vegetable filling, and the flavor balance. A great tasting taco requires a perfect harmony of flavors, with acid playing a significant role in controlling the richness of the fat element.
How do you thicken taco meat?
When it comes to making taco meat, some people prefer a thicker and saucier consistency. While premade taco seasoning packets typically include a thickening agent and instructions to add water, it is still possible to achieve a similar result with homemade seasoning. By adding one tablespoon of cornstarch to your taco seasoning mix and half a cup of water to the meat when you add the seasoning, you can create a deliciously thick and flavorful taco filling. This simple trick is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their taco game and impress their taste buds!
Why do people put water in taco meat?
Taco meat commonly involves the addition of water to a seasoning packet that has cornstarch. This starchy substance provides a thick sauce when mixed with water, allowing for more taste to be infused into every mouthful.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Taco Grande recipe is a must-try for everyone who appreciates the finer things in life, especially when it comes to enjoying fast food mexi eats including limited-edition releases like the Taco Bell Nacho Bell Grande. This recipe perfectly captures the essence of the original grande, making it a great alternative to eating out or picking up from Papa Murphy’s.
By following these simple steps, you can effortlessly prepare a delicious meal that you and your loved ones will love. Make sure to stock up on ingredients such as colby-monterey jack cheese, ground beef or turkey, green onion, iceberg lettuce, sour cream, and salsa. Don’t forget to add taco seasoning mix and water for flavor!
For those who prefer a healthier version, feel free to substitute with chicken instead of ground beef or turkey. Additionally, if you have any leftovers during preparation, what better way to repurpose than make a Mexican omelet taco grande for breakfast!
Moreover, this recipe is ideal for hosting events at home as it can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. And don’t worry about reheating it as it tastes just as good even after being stored in the fridge for a good while.
All in all, whether you’re having guests over or simply looking for a satisfying dinner option, this taco grande recipe is an excellent choice. So why not give it a try today and enjoy the flavorful journey that comes with every bite!
Taco Grande Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 (6 -7 inch) flour tortillas, divided
- 1 lb lean hamburger (The orginal recipe calls for Turkey)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 16 ounces salsa, divided
- 2 cups shredded colby-monterey jack cheese, blend divided
- 1 green onion, with top sliced, divided
- 4 cups thinly sliced iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F Spray bottom and sides of Deep Dish Baker (you can use a 9x13 dish too) with nonstick cooking spray.
- Arrange four tortillas in bottom of baker, overlapping slightly.
- In large (12-in.) skillet, cook ground hamburger over medium heat 8-10 minutes or until no longer pink, breaking burger into small crumbles. Drain, if necessary.
- Add taco seasoning mix and water; cook according to package directions.
- Remove from heat; stir in 1 cup of the salsa.
- Spoon humburger mixture evenly over tortillas in baker.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup of the cheese. Sprinkle half of the green onion over cheese.
- Top with remaining four tortillas, overlapping slightly and pressing down lightly.
- Spread remaining salsa over tortillas.
- Sprinkle with remaining cheese and onion.
- Bake 28-30 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven; let stand 5 minutes.
- Cut into wedges.
- Serve with lettuce and sour cream.
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Nutrition
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Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.