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As the crisp autumn air sets in and the leaves turn fiery shades of red and gold, it’s the perfect time to let your inner vampire emerge with a batch of “Bloody Tacos.” These tacos get their frightful flair from beet-infused salsa, which gives them a deep, dramatic hue—but fear not, they’re as delicious as they are spooky. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween gathering or simply embracing the season, this recipe is sure to bring a playful yet wholesome spin to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey or beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)
- 1 large beet, roasted and diced (or use canned beets)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, finely diced (optional for heat)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Start by preparing the salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the roasted beet cubes, chopped onion, jalapeño (if you like a bit of heat), minced garlic, and lime juice. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then stir well to allow the flavors to meld. Set this “bloody” salsa aside, and let it rest at room temperature or in the fridge.
Next, warm a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season the meat with smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat your tortillas in a dry skillet or directly on a stovetop burner (on low heat) until lightly toasted. Once the tortillas are warmed, fill them with the seasoned meat. Top each taco with shredded lettuce, cheese, and a generous spoonful of the vibrant beet salsa. If you’d like, sprinkle a little fresh cilantro on top for an extra pop of color.
These Fall-Inspired Vampire Tacos are both fun and flavorful—perfect for anyone looking to celebrate the spooky season (or just spice up a regular weeknight meal). They’re easy to adapt for different dietary needs by swapping out the meat for a plant-based crumble or adjusting the heat level. The roasted beet salsa brings a touch of natural sweetness and earthy flavor, while also delivering nutrients like fiber and iron. Whether you’re planning a Halloween bash, a laid-back weekend gathering, or an autumn family dinner, these “Bloody Tacos” are sure to make a bewitching impression on every guest.
