Today you're getting a two-fer because well tacos (the lazy way I make 'em) just isn't a recipe.
Tacos
So our tacos aren't fancy by any means. Our tacos are the ground beef with a packet of seasonings and lots of side dishes. Sometimes I switch it up and do shredded beef or chicken or fish or shrimp. But more often than not, taco night is ground meat (beef or turkey).
Our go to seasoning packet is.... Trader Joes! They make the best taco seasoning packet hands down. Full of cumin, and cayene, and garlic and yumminess. It does have salt, so that is a drawback. But I use about 1 - 1.5 Tbsp per 1/2 lb of meat. Oh and a tablespoon of tomatoe paste.
Our favorite sides are: guacamole, cilantro lime rice (saute 1 cup of rice in 1 Tbsp of oil, when fragrant and lightly browned add to rice cooker with 2 cups of rice. When rice is hot toss in 1/2 limes worth or juice, salt and cilantro. Sometimes I add a little sweet corn), and fajita mix. I like a little cheese and sour cream. Oh and plenty of salsa! I love that taco night takes about 20 minutes to get on the table and it's so customizable! Plus who can deny the satisfaction that comes when the taco shell crunches! It's crunchy, spicy, creamy, fresh, cheesy goodness!
If you're a taco lover, with kids who love tacos, or you just enjoy a good kids book, check out: Dragons Love Tacos.
Meatballs
Nothing fancy here. But I'll take a home made meatball over a store bought one anyday.
Ingredients:
1 lb meatloaf mix
2-4 cloves of garlic, zested
1/4 onion, zested
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 Tbsp fresh parsley
1 tsp dry Italian seasoning
1 egg, beaten
1 Tbsp tomato paste
a good squirt of ketchup
1/4 cup bread crumbs
salt and pepper
1 jar of sauce
Mix everything together, just to bring it together. Don't over mix- it leads to tough meatballs. If the mixture is too wet, add some bread crumbs to dry it out. But not too much.
Form your meatballs. I like to cook mine for 20 minutes in a 375 degree oven, then pour on the sauce and put them back in for 10 more minutes. Some people like to fry them. Others drop them in sauce on the pot. Do what calls to you.
Garlic Bread
1 loaf bakery bread (or home made if you're into it)
4 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened, or combo olive oil and butter
2 - 4 cloves of garlic, zested
1 tsp garlic powder
salt and pepper
parmesean cheese (optional)
sprinkle of paprika
Cut your loaf in half.
Mix the butter, zested garlic, garlic powder, salt and pepper, and parmsean cheese. Spread on each loaf. Sprinkle with a little paprika for color. Throw in the over until the broil setting until toasty brown.
