Chico Tacos El Paso TX Recipe
Hi there! I’m Ava Moore and I’m excited to share with you my personal recipe for Chico Tacos, a Tex-Mex specialty that originated in El Paso, Texas. As a cooking enthusiast and recipe expert, I’ve perfected this recipe over time and I’m confident that you’ll love it too!
What is Chico Tacos?
- A Tex-Mex specialty that originated in El Paso, Texas
- A dish made of crispy tacos filled with seasoned ground beef and topped with a special sauce and shredded cheese
- Served rolled up and stacked on a plate
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 12-18 corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion
Instructions
Here’s how to make Chico Tacos:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Add the tomato sauce and water to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the beef mixture for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
- While the beef mixture simmers, prepare the tortillas. Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Working with one tortilla at a time, fry the tortilla in the hot oil until crispy and golden, flipping once.
- Transfer the fried tortilla to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas until all are fried.
- Once the beef mixture is ready, it’s time to assemble the Chico Tacos. Take a fried tortilla and spoon a small amount of the beef mixture down the center.
- Roll up the tortilla tightly around the beef mixture and place it seam-side down on a serving plate.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and beef mixture until all are used up.
- Once all the Chico Tacos are assembled, spoon the remaining beef mixture over the top of the tacos on the plate.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and diced onion over the top of the beef mixture.
- Place the plate of Chico Tacos under the broiler for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the broiler and serve hot.
Why You Should Try Chico Tacos
Chico Tacos are a unique and delicious Tex-Mex specialty that are sure to impress your friends and family. Here are some reasons why you should try making Chico Tacos:
- They’re a fun and creative way to switch up your taco game
- The crispy fried tortilla adds a satisfying crunch to each bite
- The seasoned ground beef is packed with flavor and spices
- The special sauce and melted cheese take these tacos to the next level
- They’re easy to customize with your favorite toppings and garnishes
Expert Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the best Chico Tacos possible:
- Use corn tortillas for the most authentic flavor and texture
- Be sure to fry the tortillas until they’re crispy and golden, but not burnt
- Simmer the beef mixture until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together for maximum flavor
- Feel free to customize the toppings and garnishes to your liking
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of Chico Tacos?
Chico Tacos originated in El Paso, Texas in the 1950s.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
While you can use flour tortillas, corn tortillas are recommended for the most authentic flavor and texture.
What are some good toppings for Chico Tacos?
Some popular toppings for Chico Tacos include diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, chopped cilantro, and sour cream.
Can I make Chico Tacos ahead of time?
While Chico Tacos are best served hot and fresh, you can prepare the beef mixture and fry the tortillas ahead of time and assemble the tacos just before serving.
How many Chico Tacos does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 12-18 Chico Tacos, depending on how much filling you use in each taco.
What can I serve with Chico Tacos?
Chico Tacos are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a side salad.
Can I freeze Chico Tacos?
While Chico Tacos can be frozen, they may not be as crispy and delicious after being reheated. It’s best to enjoy them fresh if possible.
That’s it! I hope you enjoy making and eating these delicious Chico Tacos as much as I do. Let me know in the comments below how they turned out for you!