Description
Mexican street-style crispy ground beef tacos bring authentic flavor to home kitchens. Crunchy shells, seasoned meat, and fresh toppings create a simple yet satisfying meal you can easily master.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Taco Base Ingredients:
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water
- 8 taco shells (hard or soft)
Toppings and Garnishes:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
- Salsa
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat a large skillet to medium-high temperature and brown the ground beef, methodically breaking it into fine, uniform crumbles for consistent cooking.
- Carefully drain accumulated fat from the meat, then introduce taco seasoning and a modest splash of water, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken for approximately 2-3 minutes until the sauce clings perfectly to the beef.
- While the meat develops its flavor profile, gently warm the taco shells in an oven preheated to 350°F or follow microwave instructions to ensure a crisp, golden texture.
- Construct each taco by layering the seasoned beef as a robust foundation, then strategically add crisp lettuce shreds, diced fresh tomatoes, and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- For enhanced flavor complexity, crown the tacos with a dollop of tangy sour cream or a vibrant salsa that complements the meat’s robust seasoning.
- Serve immediately to maintain the shells’ optimal crunchiness and preserve the warm, inviting temperature of the filling, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.
Notes
- Customize the seasoning by mixing your own blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder for a more personalized flavor profile.
- Choose leaner ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to reduce excess grease and make the tacos healthier without compromising taste.
- Prep taco shells ahead of time and keep them warm in a low-temperature oven to ensure maximum crispiness when serving multiple batches.
- For gluten-free options, swap traditional taco shells with corn tortillas or lettuce wraps to accommodate different dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg