My Gringo Style Taco Recipe: Delicious Americanized Tacos

Though I have always liked tacos, sometimes I want a little variation on the traditional. At that point I proceed to my favorite Gringo style taco recipe. Gringo tacos offer the strong taste of Mexican food and an American touch, using flour tortillas, ground beef, and toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and lettuce. 

I created this dish to meet those taco cravings without leaving the house. These tacos are made quickly and are ideal for hectic weeknights or taco evenings with friends. If you are like me and love to goof around in the kitchen, making these ( I mean so Americanized tacos) with ingredients you likely already have on hand.

What Is a Gringo Taco?

When I first heard the term Gringo taco, I was curious. What sets it apart from the traditional Mexican taco I’ve always known? The biggest difference here is in the fillings and the tortillas. While Gringo tacos use soft flour tortillas along with certain American-style toppings like lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream, authentic Mexican tacos use corn tortillas with basic ingredients including beef, onions, and cilantro.  

Traditional tacos are a bit more flavorful, typically spicier, and meat with no toppings to stand out. Gringo tacos carry a softer texture and more bland flavor palate, so they are great for anyone in the mood for a full taco that can be customized to your heart’s desire.

Timing:

1. Prep Time: 5 minutes
2. Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
3. Total Time: 20–25 minutes

Ingredients for My Gringo Tacos:

To make these Gringo tacos, you’ll need a handful of following basic ingredients.:

Taco Filling:

1 lb (450g) ground beef: This is the foundation of the taco, seasoned to perfection.

8 small flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, flour tortillas make Gringo tacos stand out from traditional corn-based tacos.

1 cup shredded lettuce: Adds a fresh, crunchy element.

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melty cheese for that creamy texture.

2 small tomatoes, diced: Fresh and juicy for added flavor.

1/2 cup sour cream: A classic Gringo taco ingredient, giving it that tangy creaminess.

1/2 cup salsa (optional): For a bit of extra flavor if you want some spice.

Homemade Gringo Taco Seasoning:

I love making my own seasoning blend because it’s fresher and more flavorful than store-bought packets. Plus, you can control the spiciness:

1 tbsp chili powder: Gives the tacos that classic Mexican flavor.

1 tsp cumin: Earthy and warm, perfect for adding depth to the beef.

1 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the flavor.

1 tsp onion powder: A subtle flavor booster.

1/2 tsp paprika: Adds color and mild sweetness.

1/2 tsp dried oregano: Brings a nice herbal note.

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional): If you like heat, this adds a spicy kick.

1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning.

1/2 tsp black pepper: Rounds out the spice mix with a bit of warmth.

How to Make Gringo Style Taco at Home:

I promise, these tacos are super easy to make and only take about 25 minutes from start to finish. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have delicious Gringo-style tacos on your table in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Taco Seasoning:

• First, let’s make the seasoning. Just mix all the ingredients (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, etc.) in a small bowl. It’s that simple. This homemade mix is what gives the beef its bold flavor, making it taste just like the tacos you’d get at a restaurant, maybe even better.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef (10 minutes):

• Heat a skillet over medium heat.

• Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it until browned, about 8–10 minutes. As the meat cooks, make sure to break it up into little bits.

• Remove any extra fat from the pan after the beef is done cooking.

• Sprinkle your homemade taco seasoning over the beef and add 1/2 cup of water. Stir well and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the water has evaporated and the beef is coated in the seasoning.

Step 3: Warm the Flour Tortillas (5 minutes):

• You can warm your tortillas in two ways:

• In a skillet: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until they’re soft and slightly browned.

• In the oven: If you prefer to warm them all at once, wrap the tortillas in aluminum foil and place them in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5–7 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos (5 minutes):

Now, it’s time to build your tacos! Here’s what I do:

• Place a spoonful of seasoned beef in the center of each flour tortilla.

• Add your favorite toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. If you like a little extra flavor, add some salsa as well.

• Cut the tortilla in half and serve right away.

What to Serve with Tacos Besides Rice and Beans?

Although rice & beans are the traditional taco side dishes, I sometimes like to mix them up. Lighter tacos, such as ahi tuna tacos, are a fantastic pairing with cabbage slaw. You get that chill from the crunchy slaw. A classic one is guacamole with tortilla chips and a very simple corn salad on the grill.

Other Tacos You Should Probably Try:

I’ve experimented with all kinds of tacos, and there are so many different flavors to explore. Some of my favorites include: 

• Tacos de hígado: Sounds weird, right? But the meaty depth of chicken livers lends itself perfectly to tacos, particularly with spicy salsa.

• Seared ahi tuna tacos with cabbage slaw: If you want something lighter, sear some ahis and serve them on tortillas topped with fresh, crunchy leaf slaw. It’s zesty and full of flavor.

• Tacos de moronga: These are more traditional, made with blood sausage (moronga), and full of rich, earthy goodness.

• Jack in the Box fried tacos: If you’ve ever had deep-fried tacos from Jack in the Box, you know it is an experience like no other. You can duplicate that same texture at home by frying your tacos.

Why I Love Making Homemade Taco Seasoning?

I used to purchase readymade taco spices, but when I decided on a homemade version, it changed the game completely. With homemade seasoning, you control the flavors, and everything will be much fresher.

If you like spicy food, add cayenne pepper, if you are on a low-sodium diet, reduce the salt. No additives or preservatives, only spices. Pre-packaged seasoning has added sugar and far too much salt.

By making it less caloric and more efficient, you will also highlight the natural taste of meat and vegetables.

Nutrition (Per Serving: 2 tacos):

• Calories: ~450 kcal
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: ~800mg (varies with seasoning)
• Calcium: 150mg
• Iron: 3mg

FAQ’s for Gringo Style Taco:

Fun Variations on My Gringo Tacos:

Here are some ways to change this recipe according to your liking:

• Vegetarian Gringo Tacos: Replace the ground beef with black beans or lentils. You still get that meatiness with all the tasty toppings.

• Cheesy Gringo Tacos: Add cheesy goodness, and sprinkle shredded cheddar on the tortillas when they are still in the skillet. That cheese melted directly into the tortilla to make every bite of taco even better.

• Gringo Tacos But Healthier: To lighten it up a bit, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and whole wheat tortillas. It keeps the flavor intact but gives you a lighter taco.