Introduction
Taco night is a family favorite, and this recipe for crunchy hard-shell tacos filled with savory ground beef is sure to please everyone at the table. With a mix of spices and flavors, these tacos are easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Get ready to enjoy a deliciously satisfying meal!
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 ¼ pounds lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (1.25-ounce) package taco seasoning
¼ cup water or beer
2 teaspoons hot sauce (e.g., Cholula)
12 hard taco shells
1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
For serving:
Pico de gallo
Avocado
Sour cream
Cilantro
Shredded lettuce
Lime wedges
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
Instructions
1. Heat vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks; drain excess fat.
2. Add diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add taco seasoning, water or beer, and hot sauce; stir to combine. Cook until flavors have blended, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly oil a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or coat with nonstick spray.
6. Place taco shells upright in the prepared baking dish. Bake in the oven until crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Carefully fill each taco shell with approximately ¼ cup of the ground beef mixture and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
8. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese has melted, about 4-5 minutes.
9. Serve immediately with desired toppings such as pico de gallo, avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro, shredded lettuce, and lime wedges. Enjoy your delicious homemade tacos!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks; drain excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Add diced onion to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 4: Mix Seasoning
Add taco seasoning, water or beer, and hot sauce; stir to combine. Cook until flavors have blended, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly oil a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or coat with nonstick spray.
Step 6: Bake Taco Shells
Place taco shells upright in the prepared baking dish. Bake in the oven until crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 7: Fill Taco Shells
Carefully fill each taco shell with approximately ¼ cup of the ground beef mixture and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Step 8: Melt the Cheese
Return to the oven and bake until the cheese has melted, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 9: Serve with Toppings
Serve immediately with desired toppings such as pico de gallo, avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro, shredded lettuce, and lime wedges.
Notes
Note 1: Optional Ingredients
Feel free to customize the toppings based on personal preference or dietary restrictions.
Note 2: Cooking Time
Keep an eye on the taco shells while baking to prevent burning.
Note 3: Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover filling and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Note 4: Variations
Consider adding beans or corn to the ground beef mixture for added texture and flavor.
Cook techniques
Cooking Ground Beef
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned and crumbled, usually around 3-5 minutes. Drain any excess fat for a leaner result.
Sautéing Aromatics
Add diced onions to the cooked beef and sauté until they become translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Then, include minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. This builds a flavorful base for your dish.
Mixing Seasonings
Incorporate taco seasoning, and then add water or beer along with hot sauce. Stir to combine and cook to allow the flavors to meld, approximately 2-3 minutes.
Baking Taco Shells
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly oil a baking dish and position taco shells upright. Bake for 3-4 minutes until they are crispy.
Filling Tacos
Carefully fill each crispy taco shell with the prepared beef mixture. A good portion is about ¼ cup per shell, then top with shredded cheese.
Melting Cheese
Return filled taco shells to the oven and bake until cheese has melted, which takes approximately 4-5 minutes.
Serving Tacos
Serve the tacos immediately with desired toppings such as pico de gallo, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, shredded lettuce, and lime wedges for added flavor and freshness.
FAQ
Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives depending on your dietary preferences.
How long can I store leftover taco filling?
Leftover taco filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I prepare these tacos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Instead of baking, assemble and bake the tacos right before serving.
What can I use instead of taco seasoning?
You can create a homemade seasoning mix using spices such as chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.
Can I freeze the taco shells?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked taco shells. Just make sure to package them properly to avoid freezer burn.
Conclusion
Enjoying these delicious taco shells filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese allows for a customizable dining experience. With a variety of toppings to choose from, this recipe is perfect for gatherings or a casual family meal. The combination of flavors will surely satisfy your cravings for a tasty and hearty dish.
Spicy Chicken Tacos
Swap the ground beef for shredded spicy chicken marinated in a zesty sauce, and continue with the same toppings for a flavorful twist.
Vegetarian Taco Filling
Use sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and corn in lieu of meat, seasoned with taco spices for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Fish Tacos
Fill the taco shells with battered and fried fish, topped with shredded cabbage and a creamy lime sauce for a refreshing seafood option.
Breakfast Tacos
Scramble eggs with diced peppers and onions, and fill the tacos with the mixture. Top with salsa and avocado for a delightful breakfast treat.
Taco Salad
Use the ground beef mixture as a salad topping on a bed of shredded lettuce, and add cheese, pico de gallo, and avocado for a hearty taco salad.
BBQ Beef Tacos
Mix the ground beef with barbecue sauce instead of taco seasoning for a smoky flavor profile, pairing perfectly with coleslaw as a topping.
Pork Carnitas Tacos
Replace ground beef with slow-cooked, seasoned pulled pork for a rich and savory option, topped with jalapeños and cilantro for an extra kick.
