Big Batch Taco Filling Recipes

TACO FILLING

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions; cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, jalapeno, chili powder, cumin, and coriander; cook, stirring, 1 minute.
• Add beef; cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes; cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid has evaporated, 15 to 20 minutes. Season generously with salt.

BIG BATCH TACO FILLING

Steps:

• Brown ground meat and drain well.
• In a large sauce pan, combine browned meat, 4 cups water and spices.
• Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
• Combine cornstarch and cold water and add to meat mixture.
• Simmer a few minutes longer, until mixture has thickened.
• If making a dry mix, combine cornstarch with spices and divide into 5 or 6 packets (foil or small plastic bags work well).
• To use dry mix, brown 1lb of ground meat, combine with 3/4 cup water plus mix packet and simmer for 10 minutes.

BIG-BATCH RANCHERO SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine everything in a large pot or rondeau, and simmer over gentle heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent any scorching on the bottom. Add a little water if it becomes any thicker than ketchup. Allow to cool before puréeing.
• Working in a blender in batches, purée until smooth. Check the salt seasoning. Let cool.
• Transfer to quart or pint containers, and stock your freezer, or put the sauce in something more attractive - rubber-sealed jars with hinged lids? - to make gifts of the stuff. Ranchero sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 1 year. (It may separate a little, in which case you can simply reheat and give a new buzz in a blender to reunify.)

SHREDDED PORK TACO FILLING

Steps:

• Combine the garlic powder, cumin, coriander, oregano, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Thoroughly rub the spice mixture over the pork.
• Place the roast in a pressure cooker with the beef broth, bay leaves, and onion over medium-high heat. Seal the cooker, and bring to full pressure; reduce the heat to maintain high pressure, and cook for 45 minutes.
• Remove the pressure cooker from the heat and allow the pressure to drop naturally. Transfer the pork to a serving bowl and shred the meat with forks.

TACO FILLING

Steps:

• Mix beef and seasonings in a frying pan.
• Cover and cook at a low simmer for 12 minutes, stirring often.
• Mix tomato juice, Accent and flour, and add to meat mixture.
• Cook for 10 minutes more, then remove from heat.
• Carefully spoon meat mixture unto shells, top with lettuce, tomatoes, taco sauce, and cheese.