Taco Love

My Go-To Taco Recipe: A Busy Mom's Secret Weapon

Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between school pick-ups, work deadlines, and trying to keep a semblance of order in the house, finding time for anything beyond the basics feels like a luxury. But even in the midst of the chaos, there are certain things that make life just a little bit easier, a little bit more manageable, and a whole lot more delicious. For me, that's this taco recipe. It's my secret weapon against weeknight mealtime stress.

I created this recipe years ago, during my "newlywed" phase, when juggling work, school, and a new marriage felt like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded. I was short on time and even shorter on fancy ingredients, so I just threw together what I had on hand – simple pantry staples, really. To my surprise, it was a hit! My husband loved it, the kids devoured it, and even our friends started requesting it at parties. It’s so versatile; it works wonders as a quick weeknight meal, but it's also surprisingly adaptable. It's fantastic in enchiladas, flautas, burritos, breakfast burritos, omelets, frittatas, and even as a topping for nachos. The possibilities are endless!

What makes this recipe so special isn't its complexity—it's quite the opposite. It’s the simplicity and the delicious, customizable flavor profile that have kept this recipe a staple in my home all these years. The secret is in the spice blend. I use a combination of readily available Mexican seasoning, a dash of Morton seasoning (or freshly ground pepper), and dried cilantro. It's a flavor combination that's both familiar and comforting, yet still vibrant and exciting.

The ground turkey is lean and healthy, but you could easily substitute ground beef or chicken. And the best part? The recipe is incredibly forgiving. Don't have the exact amount of an ingredient? Don’t worry about it! Just adjust to your liking. That's the beauty of a simple recipe like this—it's a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.

Beyond the main taco filling, I also have a simple, yet incredibly delicious, bonus topping recipe that takes the tacos to a whole new level. It's a creamy, tangy blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, Morton seasoning, dried cilantro, and a dash of Tabasco sauce. I even use it on my famous “Bueno Burger," (I’d suggest you search online for that one too!).

But my favorite thing about this recipe isn’t just the ease or the versatility—it's the memories it’s created. Every time I make these tacos, I’m transported back to those early days of my marriage, filled with the excitement of new beginnings and the sweet chaos of building a life together. Now, years later, it's a meal that brings my family together around the table, creating new memories that are just as precious.

This recipe isn't just about tacos; it's about the love, laughter, and togetherness that surround the dinner table. It's a reminder that the simplest things in life are often the most meaningful. So, the next time you're short on time but craving a delicious, home-cooked meal, remember this recipe. It's more than just tacos; it’s a taste of home, a hug in a bowl, a memory waiting to be made.

Step-by-step

• Heat oven to 350 degrees to heat up Taco Shells &/or Tortillas.
• Coat bottom of skillet with Olive Oil & Heat on Medium on the Stove.
• Add Onions to sauté and garlic.
• Then add Ground Turkey to brown.
• When meat is browned, Stir in Spices, Olives and water (add more water as needed).
• Simmer on med-lo for about 5 minutes.
• Stir before serving.
• Heat Shells & or Tortillas.
• Serve with favorite toppings!
• Bonus Topping Recipe:
• 5-6 spoon scoops of mayonnaise. Stir to soften. Add ketchup to taste, Morton Seasoning, Dried Cilantro & dash of Tabasco Sauce or your favorite hot sauce. Mix together. (Use more mayo for more people)