Gringo Tacos

My dad always referred to tacos with hard shells as 'gringo tacos'. Soft corn tortillas were the shell for the true tacos. I grew up eating both, as well as any other Mexican-related food. Spicy foods have always been my friends. This taco recipe is borrowed from my mom. I'm not really sure if I make it the same way that she does, but I come pretty close. All those years of watching her in the kitchen have paid off. This is one of those meals that I can cook without even really thinking about it. They are simple to make and any topping can be added to them. Although I always for for shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped iceberg lettuce, and topped off with some Tapatio for an extra kick. My mom always fried her own shells. Those pre-fried ones that come in a box are perhaps the most awful tasting things in the world. Frying your own is simple, much cheaper, and way more delicious.

Gringo Tacos
For the meat:
1 lb ground beef, lean is best
1 onion, chopped
1 small can (7.75 oz) of El Pato Tomato Sauce (Mexican Hot Style)
1 tbsp cumin (or to taste)
1 tsp cayenne (or to taste)
1 1/2 tsp chili powder (or to taste)
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the tortilla shells:
Package of corn tortillas
Oil for frying

To assemble:
Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Chopped iceberg lettuce
Chopped tomatoes
Hot sauce
Anything else that you like

1) In a large skillet heat small amount of canola oil and saute the onions, then put in bowl
2) Add ground beef to skillet that had onions in it and brown with spices and salt and pepper, when browned add onions and sauce

3) Taste the cooked meat to see if more spices needed to be added
4) In a frying pan, place enough oil to fry tortillas in, once heated add a tortilla and coat with oil on both sides, as it begins to stiffen, fold the tortilla in half with tongs and hold in place so that it fries into the shape of a taco shell

5) When tortillas are cooked, place on paper towel lined plate

6) Stuff tortillas with ground beef and toppings and enjoy!