Hillbilly Tacos offer a fun twist on classic tacos. While their exact origin is unclear, these hearty creations are known for their satisfying, no-fuss approach. Unlike traditional tacos, Hillbilly Tacos often feature a richer, more substantial filling and a variety of toppings that go beyond the usual cilantro and onions. If you’re looking for a simple weeknight meal, give this recipe a try! They’re a perfect example of comfort food with a kick. Think of them as a delicious mashup of familiar flavors with an exciting, unexpected twist.
Why these Hillbilly Tacos are Special
What sets these Hillbilly Tacos apart is their incredible flavor combinations. They’re packed with savory meats, melty cheese, and a touch of spice. Plus, they’re super easy to customize. This recipe is designed to be flexible, allowing you to adjust the ingredients and toppings to your family’s liking. Everyone gets exactly what they want! For a fun twist, try making Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos for dessert!
Ingredients
This recipe is all about hearty flavors and easy substitutions. Feel free to get creative with what you have on hand!
For the Taco Filling
- 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled chorizo for a spicier kick!)
- 1/2 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, your choice). Try making your own with our Beef Breakfast Sausage recipe!
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Toppings
- 12 small corn or flour tortillas (or hard taco shells)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend work great too)
- 1/2 cup chopped white onion
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeño slices
- Your favorite taco sauce (or try making your own!)
For the Optional Extras
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Guacamole or sliced avocado
- Hot sauce (for extra heat!)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! These Hillbilly Tacos are surprisingly simple to put together. For another simple, satisfying meal, check out our Simple Chicken and Rice Recipe.
Preparing the Filling
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and sausage. Break the meat up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), diced tomatoes and green chilies, taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together. This allows the meat to absorb all those delicious spices! Looking for more delicious ground beef recipes? Explore our Cowboy Casserole recipe.
Assembling the Tacos
Warm the tortillas according to package directions. You can heat them in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven. Warm tortillas are more pliable and less likely to tear. For perfectly sized mini pancakes, check out our Mini Pancakes Guide.
Fill each tortilla with the prepared meat filling.
Top with shredded cheese, chopped white onion, and pickled jalapeño slices. Don’t overload the tacos, or they might be hard to handle.
Grilling or Pan-Frying the Tacos (Optional)
If desired, you can grill or pan-fry the assembled tacos for a crispy exterior. This adds a nice textural element.
For grilling, preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the assembled tacos on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For some grilling inspiration, explore our Barbecue Shrimp Recipe.
For pan-frying, heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the tacos for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few ideas to make your Hillbilly Tacos even better!
Making Ahead and Storage
You can make the taco filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This is great for weeknight meals! Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before assembling your tacos. Leftover assembled tacos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet or oven to maintain their texture. For tips on storing leftovers safely, check out this article from Healthline.
Spice Level Adjustments
For milder tacos, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the jalapeños. If you like things spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped chipotle peppers to the filling. You can also serve the tacos with your favorite hot sauce on the side. A dollop of sour cream or yogurt can help cool things down if needed. If you’re unsure about spice levels, learn more about chili peppers and their heat levels.
Vegetarian/Vegan Options
For a vegetarian filling, substitute the meat with a mixture of cooked lentils or black beans. Sautéed mushrooms and chopped vegetables also make a great base. For a vegan version, use vegan cheese and omit the sour cream or yogurt. You can also add crumbled tofu for extra protein. Be sure to use a vegan taco seasoning or make your own.
Regional Variations
Hillbilly Tacos are a flexible dish, so feel free to experiment with different regional flavors. For a Southwestern twist, try adding corn, black beans, and a sprinkle of cilantro. For a Southern flair, top with coleslaw or a drizzle of barbecue sauce. Get creative and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
These tacos pair perfectly with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or Mexican rice. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also adds a refreshing touch. For a heartier meal, serve with seasoned fries or roasted vegetables.
FAQ
Here are a few common taco questions that might be helpful!
What are the three types of tacos?
While there isn’t a strict definition of “three types,” tacos are often categorized as soft tacos (using soft tortillas), hard-shell tacos (using crispy fried shells), and rolled tacos like taquitos. But the world of tacos is huge, with countless variations!
Why do Mexicans use two tortillas for tacos?
Using two tortillas, especially with corn tortillas, adds durability and helps prevent messy spills. The double layer also provides a unique texture and helps keep the filling warm. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference!
What are Al Pastor street tacos?
Al Pastor tacos are made with marinated pork cooked on a vertical rotisserie, similar to how shawarma is made. The thinly sliced pork is often served with pineapple, cilantro, and onions. They’re a delicious and popular street food in Mexico.
What kind of tortillas do they use for street tacos?
Street tacos typically use small corn tortillas. Their compact size makes them easy to hold and eat while you’re on the move. They’re the perfect vessel for all those tasty fillings!
Conclusion
So there you have it – a simple, satisfying, and incredibly adaptable recipe for Hillbilly Tacos! I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors. Feel free to experiment with different toppings and variations to make it your own. Cooking should be fun, so don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen. And be sure to share your Hillbilly Taco creations with me – I’d love to see what you come up with!
PrintHillbilly Tacos
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A fun, flavorful twist on classic tacos, loaded with savory meats, melty cheese, and your favorite toppings!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound breakfast sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 12 small corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped white onion
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeño slices
- Taco sauce
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
- Shredded lettuce (optional)
- Diced tomatoes (optional)
- Guacamole or sliced avocado (optional)
- Hot sauce (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Brown ground beef and sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease.
- 2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomatoes and green chilies, taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
- 4. Simmer covered for 15-20 minutes.
- 5. Warm tortillas.
- 6. Fill tortillas with meat mixture.
- 7. Top with cheese, white onion, and jalapeños.
- 8. (Optional) Grill or pan-fry assembled tacos for a crispy exterior.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Method: Stovetop, Grill (optional)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 338kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 649mg
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
Keywords: Hillbilly Tacos, easy tacos, hearty tacos, comfort food tacos, flavorful tacos, ground beef tacos, sausage tacos, weeknight dinner, quick meal
