$10 Dinners: Soft Tacos

These meals are intended to be a relatively simple and healthy weeknight meal for a family of four. We assume that these dinners are being made in a kitchen stocked with regular kitchen staples. We will not include prices of oil, sugar, flour, spices, etc. unless you need a 1/4 cup or more. Regional food prices may vary and can be reduced by smart shopping techniques.

Shopping List

Staples

• Cumin
• Chili Powder
• Oregano
• Salsa Or Taco Sauce
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions

Chop green onions, reserving most of green part for later and mince or press 4-5 garlic cloves. Take a large skillet and brown ground beef, adding in onion and garlic after a couple of minutes. When it is throughly cooked, drain any grease and return to heat.

Add tomato paste and a can of water, including juices to the pan. Add 1 Tbsp. of cumin, chili powder and oregano and mix everything together.

Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally. Taste and add salt, pepper or other spices as needed. You can also add some extra water to make it the proper consistency.

While this is cooking, dice tomato and set aside. Shred cheese, if necessary. Heat tortillas according to package directions. I like to use my microwave, place 4-6 tortillas between two slightly moist paper towels and heat for 30 seconds at a time until warm and flexible. Set out all the fixings and have each person make their own. Then fold in the sides, roll them up and eat 'em!

Tips:

• There are many other fixings that would go good with these. I have also used limes, cilantro, cucumbers, lettuce, avacado, olives and jalapenos.
• You can make much of this ahead. Leftovers taste as good at the original.
• If you are lucky enough to have an excess of tomatoes from your garden, make a fresh salsa instead of a jar.
• Grilled chicken or beef would also be wonderful in these, like fajitas
• If you would like a vegetarian meal instead, substitute the ground beef for a can of refried or black beans. Beans would be a nice addition even with the meat.