it's taco night!

This is less of a "how to make tacos" and more of an "ode to tacos." Tacos are one of my all time favorite quick weeknight dinners. Most people know how to make them or can read the directions on the back of a taco seasoning packet or box of taco shells... BUT, since I think tacos are so incredibly fabulous and affordable, I'm posting this to make sure that *everyone* knows how to make them and appreciates their awesomeness.





Total Recipe cost: $11.12
Servings Per Recipe: 6
Cost per serving: $1.85 (2 tacos)
Prep time: 5 min. Cook time: 10 min. Total: 15 min.

INGREDIENTS		COST
1 lb.	ground beef (I like 93/7)	$3.99
1 box of 12	taco shells	$1.22
1 packet	taco seasoning	$0.53
1 cup	shredded cheese	$0.94
1 can	refried beans	$1.09
1 medium	tomato	$0.57
1 bag	shredded lettuce	$1.78
1 small	avocado	$0.99
TOTAL		$11.12

Compare at $35.94 for 6 servings of two tacos, $5.99 per serving.

STEP 1: Preheat oven at 350 to brown the taco shells. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium high heat until it is cooked thoroughly.

STEP 2: While the beef is browning, dice the tomato and avocado.

STEP 3: Once the beef is browned, add the taco seasoning and 1/3 cup water. Stir well and let simmer until mixture thickens and is no longer watery (about 1-2 min.). Put the taco shells in the oven on a cookie tray and cook for 5-10 minutes (check the box for recommended time).

STEP 4: Add the can of refried beans to the seasoned beef mixture. Stir well and heat through (only about 1-2 minutes).

STEP 5: Remove the shells from the oven and assemble the tacos!!

Personally, I like to just break up the shell in the bottom of a bowl, add my toppings, stir it up and eat it as a taco salad. It is so much easier... one crunch into a filled taco shell and the whole thing falls apart!

NOTE: I happen to be a huge avocado fan so I spent the dollar to have them... eliminate avocados and you've got an even less expensive dish. Also, I prefer the very lean ground beef and that happens to be a bit more expensive. With proper planning, this recipe for tacos could probably feed a family of four for less than $10.

I also happened to have a couple tables spoons of sour cream and a half empty jar of salsa in the back of my fridge... I added a smidge of both of these which probably cost less than ten cents per serving.

ODE TO TACOS
Oh tacos, how do I love the? Let me count the ways...
Is it your variety of flavor and texture?
Is it the endless possibilities of your toppings?
Is it because I can eat you crunchy, soft, or as a salad?
Or maybe it is because I can eat you for three nights in a row and love you every bit as much each time...
The reasons for my love will only continue to grow in number...

quick poll: soft or crunchy shells? tell me why!