Half Baked Harvest Inspired: Crispy Beef Tacos Recipe (Tieghan Gerard Style)
Craving that iconic Half Baked Harvest vibe? Look no further! This recipe draws inspiration from Tieghan Gerard’s flavorful and often-whimsical creations, bringing you a version of crispy beef tacos that’s both approachable and incredibly delicious. We’re aiming for that perfect balance of savory beef, crunchy tortillas, and vibrant toppings, all while keeping the process manageable for a weeknight dinner. This isn’t a direct copy, but rather an homage to Tieghan’s style – think bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a touch of rustic charm.
Let’s dive in!
**Yields:** Approximately 12 tacos
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 45 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Beef:**
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
* 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
* 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend is recommended for flavor)
* 1 packet (1.25 oz) taco seasoning (use your favorite brand, or homemade – recipe below)
* 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for more heat)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
* **For the Taco Shells:**
* 12 yellow corn tortillas (6-inch)
* Olive oil or avocado oil, for brushing
* **For the Toppings (Get creative!):**
* Shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
* Shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack, or a blend)
* Diced tomatoes
* Diced red onion
* Avocado, diced or sliced
* Sour cream or Greek yogurt
* Salsa (your favorite kind)
* Cilantro, chopped
* Lime wedges, for serving
* Pickled onions (recipe below, optional but highly recommended!)
* Hot sauce (optional)
* **Optional Homemade Taco Seasoning:**
* 2 tablespoons chili powder
* 1 tablespoon cumin
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* **Optional Pickled Onions:**
* 1 red onion, thinly sliced
* 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
* 1/4 cup water
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt
**Equipment:**
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Baking sheet
* Small saucepan (for pickled onions, if making)
* Tongs
* Cutting board
* Knives
**Instructions:**
**1. Prepare the Pickled Onions (Optional but Recommended):**
* In a small saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve.
* Place the thinly sliced red onion in a jar or heat-safe bowl.
* Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the onions. Make sure they are submerged. If not add a bit more water and vinegar in the same ratio.
* Let cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to several days). The longer they sit, the pinker and more flavorful they become. These can be made in advance.
**2. Cook the Beef:**
* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally.
* Add the minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, and jalapeno (if using) and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
* Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, draining off any excess grease.
* Stir in the taco seasoning (either the packet or your homemade blend), beef broth (or water), tomato sauce, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together. This step is crucial for developing a rich, deep flavor. The longer it simmers the better the flavor becomes.
* Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to your preference.
**3. Prepare the Taco Shells:**
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Lightly brush both sides of each corn tortilla with olive oil or avocado oil. This helps them crisp up nicely in the oven and prevents them from becoming soggy.
* Arrange the tortillas in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t overlapping.
* Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and lightly golden brown. Watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly.
* Alternatively, you can pan-fry the tortillas in a skillet with a little oil until crispy on both sides. This method provides a slightly different texture.
**4. Assemble the Tacos:**
* Remove the crispy taco shells from the oven or skillet.
* Spoon a generous amount of the cooked beef mixture into each taco shell.
* Top with your desired toppings: shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, avocado, sour cream, salsa, cilantro, pickled onions, and hot sauce.
**5. Serve:**
* Serve the crispy beef tacos immediately with lime wedges for squeezing.
* Enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Beef Alternatives:** You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of jalapeno and cayenne pepper to control the heat level. If you’re sensitive to spice, omit them altogether.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Substitute the ground beef with lentils or black beans. Add chopped vegetables like corn, zucchini, and carrots for extra flavor and texture.
* **Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend.
* **Toppings Galore:** Get creative with your toppings! Consider adding grilled corn, roasted sweet potatoes, or a drizzle of cilantro-lime crema.
* **Make Ahead:** The beef mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before assembling the tacos. The pickled onions can also be made well in advance.
* **Crispy Cheese Shells:** For an extra cheesy and crispy treat, melt shredded cheese directly onto the baking sheet in small circles. Bake until melted and bubbly, then let cool slightly before carefully lifting them off the sheet and using them as the taco shells.
* **Spicy Mayo:** Elevate your tacos with a drizzle of spicy mayo. Combine mayonnaise with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to taste.
* **Double the Recipe:** This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd.
* **Tortilla Warming:** If you prefer softer tortillas, you can warm them in a skillet, microwave, or oven before filling them. However, for truly crispy tacos, baking or pan-frying is the way to go.
* **Homemade Salsa:** For an extra burst of flavor, try making your own salsa. A simple tomato salsa or a vibrant corn salsa would be delicious.
**Why This Recipe is Inspired by Half Baked Harvest:**
This recipe echoes Tieghan Gerard’s style in several ways:
* **Emphasis on Fresh Ingredients:** Like Tieghan, we prioritize fresh, high-quality ingredients to create vibrant flavors.
* **Bold Flavors:** The use of smoked paprika, cumin, and other spices creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile that is characteristic of her cooking.
* **Layering of Textures:** The combination of crispy tortillas, tender beef, and fresh toppings provides a delightful textural experience.
* **Rustic Presentation:** The tacos are meant to be enjoyed in a casual, rustic setting, just like many of Tieghan’s recipes.
* **Customization:** Tieghan often encourages her readers to customize her recipes to their liking, and this recipe is no different. Feel free to experiment with different toppings and variations to create your perfect crispy beef tacos.
**Homemade Taco Seasoning Breakdown:**
Creating your own taco seasoning gives you complete control over the flavor and spice level. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and their roles:
* **Chili Powder:** Provides the base flavor for taco seasoning. It’s a blend of dried chili peppers and other spices.
* **Cumin:** Adds a warm, earthy flavor that is essential for taco seasoning.
* **Smoked Paprika:** Enhances the smoky flavor and adds depth.
* **Garlic Powder:** Provides a savory, garlicky note.
* **Onion Powder:** Adds a subtle onion flavor.
* **Dried Oregano:** Contributes a slightly herbaceous flavor.
* **Cayenne Pepper:** Adds heat. Adjust the amount to your liking.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** Another source of heat, adding a slightly different texture.
* **Salt:** Enhances the flavors of the other spices.
* **Black Pepper:** Adds a touch of spice and complexity.
By adjusting the ratios of these ingredients, you can create a taco seasoning that is perfectly tailored to your taste.
**Pickled Onion Perfection:**
Don’t underestimate the power of pickled onions! They add a tangy, slightly sweet, and crunchy element that complements the savory beef and other toppings perfectly. The acidity of the vinegar cuts through the richness of the dish, creating a more balanced and refreshing flavor.
Here’s why they work so well:
* **Acidity:** The vinegar provides a bright, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the beef.
* **Sweetness:** The sugar adds a touch of sweetness that complements the acidity.
* **Crunch:** The thinly sliced onions retain some of their crunch, adding a textural element.
* **Visual Appeal:** The vibrant pink color of the pickled onions adds a pop of color to the tacos.
Making pickled onions is incredibly easy, and they can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. They’re a great way to add a gourmet touch to your homemade tacos.
Enjoy recreating these delicious crispy beef tacos inspired by the talented Tieghan Gerard! Remember, cooking should be fun and experimental. Don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe to your liking and make it your own. Happy cooking!