Family beef tacos

There is a moment in time where this is the biggest hit meal of the week! We are there now.

This wonderful combination of flavours seems to make every age happy - it is simple, for the littlies, yet great depth of flavour, and the chilli kick is to be found in the condiments, so suits all tastes. 

And no packets to be seen! Just buy the shells, do not buy the taco kits -  you do not need the taco mixes full of preservatives when this is so easy and fresh.

It is a messy, fun meal too - lots of napkins!

Pictured: Family beef tacos

1kg beef mince

800ml tomato passata

1 tbsp each- ground cumin, dried oregano, sweet paprika

2 tsp smoky paprika

Salt and pepper

Additions for the table-

Hard and soft tacos – warmed in the oven as per instructions – I wrap the soft tacos in foil and place in the oven at the same time with the hard tacos.

Grated cheese

Shredded iceberg lettuce

Finely diced tomatoes

Fresh avocado, sliced

Sour cream

Pickled jalapenos, or tabasco sauce

p.s for the fussy eaters add some sides of raw carrot and cucumber as some just love the mince and cheese!

Preheat the oven to 160°C to warm the taco shells and wraps.

In a large wide saucepan, on high heat with a good splash of extra-virgin olive oil, add the mince in pieces breaking it up a little as you throw it in. Add some sea salt and ground pepper. Let it fry until it browns, then start turning it over and breaking it up to cook evenly and right through. 

Add the spices, mix well and fry a little to bring out the flavours, then add the passata.

Turn the heat to low to medium to simmer away and reduce the sauce until the mix is coated well and not soupy at all – it is a taco mix and meant to be a little dry really.

Once it is almost reduced, check the flavours – add more of the herbs and spices if you feel they are too mild, they should be a hum in the background, not over powering, but you should feel they are there when you taste it.

This is ready to serve.

Serves 6 – 8 depending how hungry!

Pictured: Family tacos condiments