Tacos, and healthier tacos

Tacos have always been a family favorite, it is always a fun dinner when these tasty bites are served.  The first recipe is fantastic and the second one is just a little healthier for those of you looking for a healthier lifestyle without giving up the goods.

Firehouse Machaca Taco Filling

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)

• 3-1/4 cups water
• 1-1/4 pounds beef chuck
• 3/8 small onion, quartered
• 2-1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup and 1 tablespoon chopped onion
• 3 tablespoons and 1/2 teaspoon chopped green bell pepper
• 1/3 cup and 1 tablespoon green salsa
• 1 tablespoon and 1-3/4 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1-1/4 teaspoons chopped jalapeno pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. 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.
2. 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.

Now for the healthier recipe

Quick and Easy Tacos

1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
3/4 teaspoon salt
Pepper
12 taco shells, 6 corn tortillas or 4 flour tortillas
3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese (3 ounces)
1 cup salsa
Chopped tomatoes, lettuce, and onions for toppings
1 avocado, peeled, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream

Cook onion and garlic in oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat about 2 minutes or until onion is tender. Add turkey; cook about 5 minutes, breaking up large pieces, until turkey is no longer pink. Add chili powder, paprika, cilantro, salt and pepper; heat until hot.

For tacos, heat taco shells in toaster oven 2 to 3 minutes or until hot. Spoon 2 tablespoons filling into each taco shell. For tortillas, microwave tortillas on High about 30 seconds each to soften. Spoon about ¼-1/3 cup filling down center of each tortilla. Top tacos or tortillas with cheese, salsa, tomatoes, lettuce, onion, avocado and sour cream. Roll tortillas around filling.

Substitution: If you don’t have seasonings on hand, you can substitute 1 envelope (1 1/4 ounces) taco seasoning mix for the garlic, chili powder, paprika, cilantro, salt and pepper. Add the taco seasoning mix with the turkey. Prepare as directed.

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