Grandpa Swede's Taco Meat

Quarantine mood

If you are someone who is trying to juggle zoom meetings, housework and online classroom assignments that routinely remind you that you are not smarter than a fifth grader, this is the recipe for you. Grandpa Swede's tacos will be a welcome relief at the end of the day. They're quick and easy and taste great. It's true that food truck tacos are the best tacos on earth, however, these are a close second. 

Taco meat recipe in Grandpa Swede's handwriting. "Garlic--Lots." He knew what's good.

Gather together an onion, 1 lb. of ground beef, a can of mild green chiles, a small jar of pimientos, minced garlic-"LOTS," 1 Tb. ground cumin (not listed) and salt & pepper. Celery is optional. Why does every recipe call for optional celery?? And who is opting for it?? 

Everything you will need. I forgot to put the garlic in the pic. Grandpa Swede would be so disappointed.

If you don't have one of these veggie choppers, you're doing too much work.

Chop your onion and put it into a large pan. Brown the ground beef with the onion on medium heat.  Add the spices (cumin, Johnny's Seasoning Salt or regular salt & pepper). You don't have to measure them, just sprinkle enough to cover the meat. Sing this song while you shake your spices. 

Shake, shake, shake...shake, shake, shake...shake your spices! Shake your spices!

Once your spices are in, you can add the rest of the ingredients (green chiles, pimientos, garlic) one by one and stir. Let cook for 10 minutes uncovered on medium heat. Drain the meat. Then cover and finish cooking on low heat for about 10 more minutes. Drain it again. 

Throw it all in. You can't go wrong.

Now you're ready to plate your taco meat! This recipe serves 4-6 people. I usually make rice and beans to go with it. 

If you don't own a purple car taco holder, do you even like tacos?

Thank you, Grandpa Swede- a WWII merchant marine, a painter, a master gardener, a Bingo king, and a maker of some pretty darn good tacos. You are missed.

Don't forget to make a yummy margarita to sip on while you cook and dance. Cheers to Grandpa Swede and "LOTS" of garlic!

Links to the veggie chopper and some fun taco holders * 

In the comments, tell me about what your grandparents like to make! What is their specialty? Happy Cooking! 

Grandpa Swede's Taco Meat