Growing up there wasn’t much I hated more than seafood and ground beef. Yes, I grew up in the PNW (Pacific Northwest) where seafood is quite beloved unless you try fishing where the Native American’s have rights, and ground beef is usually what kids will eat but not me! Mom often made what I refer to as Idaho Tacos. Remember that post? These days I actually think they are delicious as does my little family, but one time I made a mistake and spiced Idaho tacos were born. Now we have two versions.
You see, Mom’s version is perfect for the picky eaters of the world as well as those who will eat anything. They are simple to make and delicious. Well, it had been awhile since I had made them and when I pulled out my recipes I accidentally started making regular taco meat but still added the potato. Actually, it turned out delicious so we snapped a few pictures of the spread and went with it.
Now it’s often on our menu. We go back and forth between the original and the reinvented version. Mom and I are alike that we don’t like very spicy so these don’t pack too much heat but you could certainly add it.
Either way, the most important part is to buy good quality tortillas. We like fresh that we cook ourselves or local made. They made the entire thing taste even better. And since Mom always used big flour tortillas (really it should be called a burrito not a taco) that’s what I use too. Taco, burrito it doesn’t matter. Just make the dang things and call me in the morning. Errr, don’t because I’m not a doctor and these wont heal anything other than a craving for comfort Mexican food.
Can Tortillas be Left Out?
Both corn and flour tortillas will keep until their expiration date (usually one to two months) even if left unrefrigerated.
The bag should always be closed tightly.
If refrigerated, they will last about twice as long, well past their printed date.
Are Tacos Healthy?
The type of tortilla you use influences just how many calories are in a taco.
The healthiest option is non-fried corn tortilla as opposed to fried flour tortilla.
Frying adds a lot of fat and calories.
Corn tortillas are more filling and have fewer calories.
Spiced Idaho Tacos
Spiced Idaho Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 Potato, peeled and grated
- 2 Tablespoons Vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
- 1 1/4 Teaspoons Ground Cumin
- 1 Teaspoon Oregano
- 1/2 Teaspoon Thyme
- 1 1/2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Dry Minced Onion
- 2 Teaspoons Paprika
- 2 Dashes Hot Sauce
To Assemble
- Tortillas
- Salsa
- Sour Cream
- Cheese, grated
- Guacamole
- Tomatoes
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the beef, potato and vinegar.
- Brown and turn to low then add the remaining ingredients.
- Simmer for about 20 minutes or until thickened slightly.
- Serve with warm tortillas and toppings of choice.
Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Products
Kathryn Mader
I’m trying to keep track of the blog content amongst all the popping, rolling and bleeping ads. What’s happening? 🙁 I feel like your blog isn’t the same anymore, and that’s a shame. Just sayin’.
Sweet Basil
Hi Kathryn,
I’m sorry for your experience. The ads shouldn’t be popping or bleeping. I’ll have to look into what’s happening. Unfortunately there’s just no way for us to get rid of them. Blogging is a full time job and in order for it to be our business we have to have a way to pay the bills as well as all of the financial upkeep of a site. 🙁 It’s the only way for us to keep this a free site instead of a paid for subscription. We will definitely see what ways we can improve the ad experience though. Thank you so much for letting us know your personal experience.