Introduction
Tacos are a beloved dish that can be customized in endless ways, making them perfect for gatherings or family dinners. This recipe combines the savory flavors of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings for a delightful taco experience. With an easy-to-make spicy ranch sauce, these tacos are sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1/2 cup salsa
8 flour tortillas (10-inch)
2 cups shredded cheese
8 crispy taco shells
Lettuce, tomatoes, onion, limes (for toppings)
Spicy Ranch Sauce
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1 tablespoon hot sauce
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
8 minutes
Total Time
23 minutes
Yield
8 servings
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion, breaking up the meat with a spoon or spatula.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa. Add 1/2 cup of water and continue cooking until the mixture has thickened.
4. Spread the flour tortillas on one or two baking sheets. Sprinkle shredded cheese on each tortilla. Place the crispy taco shells on their sides to cover half of each tortilla.
5. Bake in the oven for 5 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven and fold the exposed half of each tortilla over the taco shell.
7. Flip the taco shells so they rest on the opposite side. Return to the oven for another 3 minutes.
8. Combine the ranch dressing and hot sauce to make the spicy ranch sauce.
9. Fill each taco shell with the ground beef mixture, additional shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a drizzle of spicy ranch sauce.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the tortillas and taco shells.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Use a spoon or spatula to break up the meat as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly.
Step 3: Add Seasoning and Salsa
Once the beef is cooked through, stir in the taco seasoning and salsa. Pour in 1/2 cup of water and continue to cook while stirring frequently until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare Tortillas and Taco Shells
Spread the flour tortillas on one or two baking sheets. Evenly sprinkle shredded cheese over each tortilla. Position the crispy taco shells on their sides to cover half of each tortilla, creating a base for the tacos.
Step 5: Bake Tortillas
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the tortillas to warm.
Step 6: Fold Tortillas
Remove the baking sheets from the oven. Carefully fold the exposed half of each tortilla over the taco shell, forming a pocket for the filling.
Step 7: Flip and Bake Again
Gently flip the taco shells so they rest on the opposite side. Return to the oven for an additional 3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
Step 8: Prepare Spicy Ranch Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the ranch dressing and hot sauce. Stir well until fully mixed to create the spicy ranch sauce.
Step 9: Assemble Tacos
Fill each taco shell with the ground beef mixture. Top with additional shredded cheese and fresh toppings like lettuce, diced tomatoes, and onions. Drizzle the spicy ranch sauce on top for added flavor.
Step 10: Serve
Serve the tacos immediately while warm, allowing everyone to enjoy the fresh flavors and textures.
Notes
Note 1
Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preference. Add sliced jalapeños, avocado, or any other favorites to enhance the tacos.
Note 2
If you prefer less heat, adjust the amount of hot sauce in the spicy ranch sauce to suit your taste.
Note 3
Leftover filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving if desired.
Note 4
This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings. Just ensure you have enough tortillas and taco shells.
Note 5
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils, and adjust seasonings accordingly.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking technique where food is cooked quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over medium-high heat. In this recipe, sauté the ground beef and chopped onion together to create a flavorful base for the taco filling.
Simmering
Simmering involves cooking food gently in liquid at a low temperature. After adding taco seasoning and salsa to the beef mixture, allow it to simmer with water until it thickens, enhancing the flavors.
Baking
Baking uses dry heat in an oven to cook food evenly. Spread the cheese on flour tortillas and bake them to create a crispy, cheesy base for the taco shells.
Folding
Folding involves carefully bringing one part of the dish over another. After baking, fold the tortillas over the taco shells for a perfect pocket for the beef and toppings.
Drizzling
Drizzling is the technique of pouring a liquid in a thin stream over food. In this recipe, drizzle the spicy ranch sauce over the filled taco shells before serving for added flavor.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe.
What other toppings can I use for the tacos?
You can customize your tacos with toppings such as avocado, sour cream, jalapeños, or any other favorite ingredients.
Can I make the spicy ranch sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the spicy ranch sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils, and adjust the seasonings accordingly.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar cheese is commonly used, but you can also try Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for varied flavors.
Conclusion
The combination of seasoned ground beef, crispy taco shells, and fresh toppings wrapped in a cheesy tortilla creates a delightful meal that’s sure to please the whole family. The added layer of spicy ranch sauce gives each bite an extra kick, elevating the classic taco experience. Serve these nacho tacos at your next gathering for a fun and flavorful dish.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Fajitas
Marinate sliced chicken breast with bell peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning. Serve in warm tortillas with salsa and guacamole.
Vegetarian Tacos
Use black beans, corn, and diced peppers for a hearty filling, topped with avocado and cilantro for a fresh twist.
BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos
Slow-cook pork shoulder with BBQ sauce and serve in tortillas with coleslaw and pickles for a tangy flavor.
Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos
Roast cauliflower florets tossed in buffalo sauce and serve in tortillas with ranch dressing and shredded carrots.
Breakfast Tacos
Scramble eggs with sausage or bacon, add cheese, and top with avocado and salsa for a delicious morning treat.
