Description
These Crispy Beef Tacos combine seasoned ground beef with fresh toppings inside crunchy taco shells, making a quick and satisfying Mexican-inspired meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Taco Assembly
- 12 hard taco shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ripe tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa
- Optional: sliced jalapeños
- Optional: chopped cilantro
- Optional: lime wedges
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook and crumble the meat using a wooden spoon until browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Season the beef: Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the browned beef. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer mixture: Pour in 1/4 cup of water to the skillet with the seasoned beef and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Warm taco shells: Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the taco shells on a baking sheet. Warm them in the oven for 5 minutes until they are crispy.
- Assemble tacos: Once your shells are ready, remove them from the oven and start assembling your tacos. Fill each taco shell with a spoonful of the beef mixture.
- Add toppings: Top the beef with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, diced tomato, and any additional toppings you prefer such as sliced jalapeños or chopped cilantro.
- Serve: Serve the tacos immediately, accompanied by a side of sour cream and salsa for dipping. Add a squeeze of lime if desired.
Notes
- For extra spice, add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce to your tacos.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
- Warm the taco shells just before assembling to keep them crisp.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- Leftover beef mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
