Summary:

Years ago, we used store-bought taco mix on a frequent basis. It was good, but it was a little too salty, and there was too little ‘heat’. Then, after a trip to Mexico, we decided that it was time for a change. By utilizing habanero peppers and fresh cilantro alongside a minimal number of spices, one is actually able to taste the meat while also granting it the kick that an authentic taco needs.

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe habanero peppers (orange/red in color)

• 3 medium-sized cloves garlic

• 2 medium-sized shallots

• 2 tbsp. butter

• 1½ tbsp. salt

• 1 tsp. cumin

• 2 tsp. chile ancho

• 1 tsp. cayenne

• 1½ tsp. oregano

• Fresh-ground black pepper to taste

• 2 lb. ground beef

Directions:

1. Heat butter in skillet over low-medium heat.

2. Prepare the vegetables and spices.

• Habanero peppers: Slice off tops, remove seeds, and mince/chop finely. (Gloves recommended. Also, be careful not to touch your face with 'pepper hands'.)

• Garlic: Chop into small pieces and then crush into a pulp with a fork.

• Shallots: Slice thinly

3. Place Habaneros, Garlic, and Shallots onto pan and let them cook until soft (not browned.)

4. Remove vegetables from the pan with a spatula, leaving a large portion of the butter and ‘vegetable gravy’ behind.

5. Turn heat up to medium-low, break the ground beef into small chunks, and place those pieces into the already well-buttered pan.

6. Slowly stir in all salt, herbs, and spices for even dispersal*.

7. Cook the beef until there is only a very small amount of pink remaining. During this part of the process a sturdy spoon or potato masher can be used to crumble the beef into small chunks.

8. Remove from skillet and allow to sit for 5-10 minutes. This lets the beef finish cooking and the flavor settle in.

9. Enjoy your taco meat on pan-fried corn tortillas with sour cream, salsa, and/or salsa verde. (Feel free to also add finely chopped lettuce, tomato, onion, and cilantro.)

*Sometimes we mix the spices into the beef a few hours beforehand and let it rest in the refrigerator. This allows them more time to flavor the meat, and consequently, it is why this taco meat is just as good left over as it is in its original state.

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