Ingredients
Scale
For the Seasoned Beef:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 works great)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Bar:
- 2-3 bags of Fritos corn chips (original or chili cheese)
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa (your favorite kind)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup sliced jalapeños
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- ½ cup diced red onion
- 1 cup guacamole or diced avocado
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain most of the fat, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne if using. Stir everything together and cook for about 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Pour in the beef broth and tomato paste. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Let the mixture simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- While the meat simmers, set up your taco bar. Arrange all the toppings in individual bowls with serving spoons.
- Put the Fritos in a large bowl or leave them in the bags for a more casual approach.
- Transfer the cooked meat to a serving bowl or keep it warm in a slow cooker set to low.
- To serve, have everyone start with a layer of Fritos in their bowl, add the seasoned beef, then pile on whatever toppings they want. The cheese goes on while the meat is hot so it melts nicely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
