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Crispy Ground Beef Tacos

Crispy Ground Beef Tacos

Crispy Ground Beef Tacos offer a quick and easy meal bursting with bold Mexican-inspired flavors, combining perfectly seasoned juicy ground beef with crunchy taco shells and fresh toppings. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, these versatile tacos are family-friendly and customizable, making taco night exciting and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Filling

  • 1 lb lean or medium fat ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning (blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder)
  • 1/4 cup water

Taco Shells

  • 8 crunchy taco shells (store-bought or homemade fried corn tortillas)

Toppings

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • Salsa or hot sauce, to taste
  • Sour cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and fragrant, breaking it apart evenly.
  2. Season the Filling: Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef mixture, add a splash of water, and stir frequently. Let it simmer until the spices are fully absorbed and the mixture thickens slightly.
  3. Crisp the Taco Shells: For store-bought shells, warm them briefly in the oven to enhance crunchiness. For homemade shells, fry corn tortillas in hot oil for about 30 seconds per side until golden and crispy, then drain on paper towels.
  4. Assemble Your Tacos: Spoon the seasoned ground beef into each crispy taco shell, then layer with shredded cheese and your choice of fresh toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, jalapeños, and cilantro.
  5. Add Final Touches: Drizzle salsa, sour cream, or hot sauce over the tacos. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect combination of crunchy texture and bold flavors.

Notes

  • Choose medium fat ground beef to keep the filling juicy without excess grease.
  • Do not overcook the beef; brown it just until no pink remains to prevent dryness.
  • Warm taco shells right before serving to maintain their crisp texture.
  • Season the beef generously with homemade taco seasoning to control the spice and salt levels.
  • Balance textures by combining crunchy shells, creamy cheese or sour cream, and fresh toppings.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy tacos, ground beef tacos, quick taco recipe, easy taco dinner, Mexican tacos, taco night, family-friendly tacos