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Picadillo tacos are typically filled with ground beef, potatoes, peppers, onions and tomato. Rach adds chorizo for an extra layer of flavor. If you'd like to make a vegetarian version, use plant-based substitutes for both meats. Rach says you don't need sides—the tacos are enough—but if you like, serve them with her Refried Pinto Beans and Green Rice. Either way, she says, it's a very family-friendly meal because nothing is really spicy.
Pro Tip from Rach: Why heat the taco shells with cheese in the bottom? Not only does that toast the shells and bring out their fullest flavor, it melts the cheese, which creates a "buffer" against the juices in the filling.
For the filling, broil the peppers to char all over and place in a bowl. Cover and cool, then peel, seed and chop.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add potatoes, season with salt and pepper and brown them 4 to 5 minutes, then remove to a plate. Add beef and chorizo, season the beef only with salt, pepper, spices and oregano and crumble it. Add onions, peppers, bay and garlic and let onions soften a bit. Add paste, then add vinegar and stock and simmer to thicken a bit, then add potatoes back in.
For the pico de gallo, combine onion, jalapeno, garlic, salt and lime juice and let stand 10 minutes, then toss with tomatoes and cilantro.
To serve, arrange the taco shells on foil- and parchment-lined baking sheet and fill them with cheese. Heat tacos in a 350°F oven to toast them and melt the cheese. Fill the warm tacos with meat filling, top with lettuce, pico de gallo, pickled jalapeno (if using) and a dollop or squeeze of crema or sour cream.