Source: MRS 2025
MRS: 1150.1 — Beef (1000s)

Crispy Beef Taco (WGR)-USDA

Meal Component Contribution:
3 oz. eq. meat/meat alternate, 1 oz. eq. whole grain, 1/8 cup of red/orange vegetable, 1/8 cup of other vegetable
Number of Portions: 100  Size of Portion: 2 tacos
Recipe HACCP Process: #2 - Same day service
Meat/Meat Alternate Whole Grains Vegetables (Red/Orange) Vegetables (Other)
  •  Meat/Meat Alternate
  •  Whole Grains
  •  Vegetables (Red/Orange)
  •  Vegetables (Other)

INGREDIENT
MEASURE (FOR 100 SERVINGS)
Beef, Gound, 80/20, #1001
21  pounds + 4  ounces
Onions, Frozen, Diced, #1610
1  quart
Spice Blend MS, Southwest, No Salt, #2735
1 1/2 cups
Garlic Powder, #2709
1/4 cup + 2  teaspoons
Cumin Seed, Ground, #2706
3  tablespoons
Salt, Table, #2723
2  teaspoon
Paste, Tomato, #10 Can, #2825
2  quart + 2  cups
Lemon Juice, Canned/Bottled, #2247
1/2 cup
Water, Municipal, Mississippi
2  quarts + 3  cups
Taco Shell, Crunchy, WGR, #2140
200  shells
Salsa, Bulk, #2823
3  quarts + 1  cup
Cheese, American, Grated/Shredded, #1306
1  pound + 9  ounces
Cheese, Mozzarella, Shredded, #1307
1  pound + 9  ounces
Salad Mix, Iceberg, Carrot, Red Cabbage, #4012
4  pounds + 2  ounces
Tomatoes, Whole, Red, Ripe, Raw, #4110
1  pound + 4  ounces
DIRECTIONS

1.

Thaw the ground beef and onions in the refrigerator. Drain the onions thoroughly before adding them to the recipe.

CCP:  Hold under refrigeration (41 degrees F. or lower) until ready for assembly.

2.

Brown the ground meat and then drain it. Press the draining beef to remove excess fat. After draining the ground beef, continue cooking it.

3.

Add the onions to the beef and sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are tender.

4.

Add the Southwest Spice Blend, garlic powder, cumin seed, and salt. Blend the mixture well, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes.

5.

Add the tomato paste and lemon juice to meat mixture. Blend the ingredients together and cook until the mixture turns dark red.

6.

Stir in the water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 25 - 30 minutes. Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent sticking.

CCP: Heat to 155 degrees F or higher for 17 seconds at the completion of the cooking process. If the manufacturer instructions on the package or case have a higher temperature, follow those recommendations.

7.

Warm the taco shells according to the package directions.

8.

For toppings:

  1. Rinse the tomatoes under cool, running water then drain them thoroughly.
  2. Core the tomatoes and dice them into ½-inch pieces.
  3. Combine the tomatoes with the lettuce. Toss the mixture lightly.
  4. Portion ¼ cup with #10 scoop or 2-ounce spoodle in individual portion containers.
  5. Combine cheeses and portion ½ ounce of cheese in portion containers.
  6. Portion 1 ounce of salsa in portion containers.
  7. Cover and refrigerate until the time of service.

CCP:  Cover and refrigerate at 41 degrees F or lower until ready for service.

9.

Before serving or on serving line, fill each shell with #20 scoop meat mixture.  Serve preportioned lettuce and tomato mixture, salsa, and ½ ounce of cheese on the side with meat-filled tortillas. Instruct students to "build" their own tacos.

10.

Portion 2 taco with trimmings, salsa, and cheese per serving. Each portion provides 3 oz. eq. meat/meat alternate, 1 oz. eq. of whole grain, 1/8 cup of other vegetable and 1/8 cup of red/orange vegetable.

CCP: Hold and maintain the product at a minimum temperature of 135 degrees F or higher. Check the temperature every 30 minutes. Unassembled leftovers should be covered, labeled, and dated. Quick chill within 2 hours to 70 degrees F or lower and from 70 to 41 degrees F or lower within an additional 4 hours.

Production Notes

Thaw the ground beef and onions in the refrigerator.  Drain the thawed onions before adding them to the recipe.  

Purchasing Guide

Use USDA Foods or Department of Defense (DoD) products when available.

Miscellaneous Notes

- Refer to the USDA FNS Food Buying Guide for School Meal Programs and/or the item's product -formulation statement for quantities to purchase if the recipe is altered.
- If changes are made in ingredients, check the crediting information and re-calculate the nutrition analysis. 

Nutrients Per Serving
Calories
384
Carbohydrates
24.27 g
Dietary Fiber
3.10 g
Protein
18.50 g
Sodium
452.00 mg
Total Fat
23.70 g
Sat. Fat
7.90 g
Trans Fat
0.00 g