Zesty Veggie-Packed Taco Filling
This hearty, flavorful taco filling is perfect for stuffing into homemade pitas, tortillas, or even wrapping in crisp romaine leaves. Packed with nutritious vegetables like carrots and celery, this dish is a family favorite that makes eating veggies enjoyable. The addition of optional black beans and corn enhances the texture and provides extra fiber, making it a wholesome meal. The flavors meld beautifully, making it even better the next day, which is fantastic for leftovers. Not only is it a great way to get picky eaters to indulge in veggies, but it also comes together easily, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Enjoy the medley of spices that kick this filling up a notch and serve it with your favorite toppings for a delightful meal every time!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef or Ground venison
1 lb (browned and drained)
Carrots
1 cup (finely chopped)
Celery
1 cup (finely chopped)
Onion
1/2 cup (diced or 1 tablespoon dried onion)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Fajita seasoning mix
1 (1 1/8 ounce) package
Chili powder
2 teaspoons
Garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon
Water
1/2 cup
Black beans
1/2 cup (optional)
Corn
1/2 cup (optional)
Cooked rice
2-3 cups
Tomato
1 (diced)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped carrots, celery, and onions, sautéing until they soften and become aromatic, about 5 minutes. Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside.
2
In the same skillet, add the ground beef or venison and cook over medium-high heat until browned, stirring occasionally to break it up. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
3
Stir in the fajita seasoning mix, chili powder, and garlic powder. Mix well to ensure the meat is evenly coated with the spices.
4
Add water, and if using, the black beans and corn. Stir to combine and allow to simmer for about 5-10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
5
Fold in the sautéed vegetables you set aside earlier, mixing until well incorporated.
6
Finally, remove from heat and add in the cooked rice and diced tomato, stirring until everything is evenly combined.
7
Serve the filling hot inside pita breads, tortilla shells, or wrapped in romaine leaves. Top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, a dollop of sour cream, or zesty taco sauce. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Veggie-Packed Taco Filling?
It is a hearty and flavorful filling made with ground meat, rice, and finely chopped vegetables like carrots and celery, perfect for tacos, pitas, or lettuce wraps.
What types of meat can be used in this recipe?
You can use either one pound of ground beef or ground venison.
Which vegetables are included in the filling?
The recipe includes carrots, celery, onion, and diced tomato, with optional black beans and corn.
How should the carrots and celery be prepared?
They should be finely chopped so they blend well with the meat and become enjoyable even for picky eaters.
Can I use dried onion instead of fresh onion?
Yes, you can substitute 1/2 cup of fresh diced onion with 1 tablespoon of dried onion.
What is the purpose of the olive oil in this recipe?
The olive oil is used to sauté the carrots, celery, and onions until they are soft and aromatic.
How long do I need to sauté the initial vegetables?
Sauté the finely chopped carrots, celery, and onions for about 5 minutes over medium heat.
What spices are used to season the taco filling?
The filling is seasoned with a package of fajita seasoning mix, 2 teaspoons of chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Should I drain the meat after browning?
Yes, once the ground beef or venison is browned, you should drain any excess fat before adding seasonings.
How much water should be added to the mixture?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of water to help the flavors meld and create a sauce-like consistency.
Are black beans a required ingredient?
No, the 1/2 cup of black beans is optional, but they provide extra fiber and texture.
Is corn included in this taco filling?
Corn is an optional ingredient; you can add 1/2 cup to enhance the flavor and texture.
How long should the mixture simmer?
Allow the meat, spices, and liquid to simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
When do I add the sautéed vegetables back into the skillet?
Fold in the sautéed carrots, celery, and onions after the meat mixture has simmered and the liquid has reduced slightly.
Does this recipe use pre-cooked rice?
Yes, the recipe requires 2 to 3 cups of already cooked rice to be stirred in at the very end.
When should the diced tomato be added?
The diced tomato is added at the final step, after removing the skillet from the heat.
What are some serving suggestions for this filling?
You can serve it in pita breads, tortilla shells, or wrapped in crisp romaine leaves.
What toppings go well with this dish?
Suggested toppings include shredded lettuce, a dollop of sour cream, or zesty taco sauce.
Is this recipe good for leftovers?
Yes, the flavors meld beautifully over time, making it even better the next day.
How many ingredients are in the Zesty Veggie-Packed Taco Filling?
There are 13 ingredients in total, including the optional items like black beans and corn.
Is this dish considered family-friendly?
Yes, it is designed to be a family favorite that makes eating vegetables enjoyable for everyone.
Can I use this for meal prep?
Absolutely; because the flavors improve overnight, it is a fantastic option for planned leftovers or meal prep.
Is the recipe high in protein?
Yes, using ground beef or venison along with optional beans makes this a high-protein meal.
What size fajita seasoning packet is needed?
The recipe specifies one 1 1/8 ounce package of fajita seasoning mix.
How much rice should I use?
The recipe suggests using between 2 to 3 cups of cooked rice.
Can this be a gluten-free meal?
Yes, provided you use gluten-free fajita seasoning and serve it in corn tortillas or romaine leaves.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is an easy dinner that comes together quickly in a single large skillet.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not explicitly stated, the 1 lb of meat plus 2-3 cups of rice and various vegetables typically serves 4 to 6 people.
Can I add more heat to the recipe?
Yes, you can increase the chili powder or add diced jalapeños if you prefer a spicier filling.
What makes this recipe 'veggie-packed'?
It includes high volumes of carrots, celery, onion, and tomatoes relative to the meat content, compared to traditional taco fillings.