Hello! I’m back. 🙂 Thanks for all your kind comments on my last few posts. It’s been a busy week and a half with my sister’s bridal shower and then working like mad on my thesis draft. I’m still not finished yet :(… but I’m making definite progress so that is a very good thing. Anyways, I thought about not blogging until I had the draft done but that didn’t seem like a good idea so here I am. Yay! On to more important things… like these awesome tacos!
I feel like awesome is quite the appropriate term to describe these really good tacos since they are from the 1970s. I found the recipe in the September issue of Everyday Food, and the recipe was originally made by the author’s Aunt Colleen, in the–you guessed it–1970s! Since I don’t have an Aunt Colleen, I decided a rename was in order. As a side note, I made these tacos almost immediately after receiving my issue in the mail. This NEVER happens!! But these tacos were so easy, so flavorful, and so fun that I should definitely start making good looking recipes right away… Why? So I have more time left in my life to enjoy them, silly!
These tacos might seem fairly simple–onion, garlic, cayenne, chili powder, and tomato paste–but let me tell you, it’s loaded with flavor. Seriously, it tastes just like those handy grocery-store packets or homemade spice mix…but with some fresh ingredients too. Whoa! What could be better? We absolutely adored their rich depth of flavor… and their utter simplicity and speed. Perfect for a weeknight meal.
Oh… and if there are leftovers… check out this loaded taco salad! Utterly amazing.
Enjoy!
1970s Style Tacos
from Everyday Food September 2012
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 4 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 pound ground sirloin
- soft taco shells
- lettuce, tomatoes, green onion, cheddar cheese, lime wedges, and sour cream for serving
Directions:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Stir in tomato paste, cayenne, and chili powder, and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Add sirloin and cook until browned, about 7-8 minutes. Serve in soft taco shells with lettuce, tomatoes, green onion, cheddar cheese, lime wedges, and sour cream for toppings.
Notes: Since sirloin is 90% lean, I didn’t feel the need to drain any fat. If I made this using ground turkey or chicken, I’d probably feel the same way. However, if I used a cut that wasn’t as lean, I might cook the beef first, drain most of the fat and proceed with cooking the onion and garlic, then the tomato sauce mixture.
The Pajama Chef 
I love retro recipes, although it doesn’t seem that tacos have changed much since the 70’s. My Mom always says that my grandma was ahead of her time making tacos in the 50’s which I think is hilarious but probably true! 🙂
LikeLike
true, but i wonder if taco seasoning was around in the 70s. must research!!
LikeLike
I much prefer using the awesome sirloin; like you said it’s 90% lean so I feel a bit better about it. Love the look of the taco! I might have that for lunch now.
Need any help on your draft? I’m glad it’s going well, also glad you came back without making sure it was done before posting.
LikeLike
thanks! just turned something in today. i’ll have more to do soon… 🙂
LikeLike
These sound fantastic! And congrats on the progress you’re making on your paper – I know it’s going to be just perfect!
LikeLike
thanks for the encouragement, amy!
LikeLike
Looks delicious!! I usually use turkey meat, but I’m sure it’ll be just as delicious 🙂
LikeLike
yep, it will. i use turkey too sometimes but my husband prefers beef. men. 🙂
LikeLike
Perfect timing – I was just craving tacos! And I love that you used ground sirloin in this. It’s a bit pricey but so worth it!
LikeLike
definitely agree!
LikeLike
I guess the tacos I normally make are pretty much 1970s tacos 🙂 These look delicious!
Sues
LikeLike
thanks!
LikeLike
I love tacos…your recipe is delicious
I like try new flavors.
Bye from Italy
LikeLike
thanks 🙂
LikeLike