Introduction
Taco Tuesday just got a delicious upgrade with this easy recipe for stuffed hard taco shells filled with seasoned ground beef and topped with your favorite fresh ingredients. Perfect for a family dinner or a fun gathering with friends, these tacos are sure to become a household favorite.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
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
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6 people
Mixing rich flavors with fresh toppings is what makes this taco recipe stand out. Following these steps will reward you with crispy, cheesy goodness that enhances the taco experience. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook 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: Cook 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: Season the Mixture
Mix in taco seasoning, water or beer, and hot sauce. Cook until flavors are well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly oil a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or coat it with nonstick spray.
Step 6: Prepare Taco Shells
Arrange 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. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
Step 8: Bake Again
Return the filled taco shells to the oven and bake until the cheese has melted, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 9: Serve
Serve immediately with desired toppings such as pico de gallo, avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro, shredded lettuce, and lime wedges.
Notes
Note 1: Cooking Beef
Make sure to break the ground beef into smaller pieces as it cooks to ensure even browning.
Note 2: Adjusting Spiciness
You can adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your heat preference.
Note 3: Additional Toppings
Feel free to customize the toppings with other favorites like jalapeños, olives, or sliced radishes.
Note 4: Storing Leftovers
Leftover filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat before serving.
Cook techniques
Heating the Oil
Start by heating vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. This ensures the meat cooks evenly and prevents it from sticking to the pan.
Cooking Ground Beef
Brown the ground beef by breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Sauteing Aromatics
Add diced onions to the skillet and sauté until they’ve become translucent. Then, incorporate minced garlic and cook until fragrant, enhancing the overall flavor of the beef mixture.
Seasoning the Meat
Mix in the taco seasoning, liquid (water or beer), and hot sauce to create a flavorful filling. Allow it to cook until the flavors are well combined.
Baking Taco Shells
Preheat the oven and arrange the taco shells in a baking dish. This step crisps them up, ensuring a satisfying crunch when served.
Filling the Tacos
Carefully fill each taco shell with the beef mixture, making sure to distribute it evenly. Top them off with shredded cheese before returning to the oven.
Melting Cheese
Return the filled taco shells to the oven to melt the cheese. This step adds a delicious texture and flavor to the tacos.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute lean ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives.
How do I make my tacos spicier?
To increase the spice level, add more hot sauce or include diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper to the beef mixture.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat it before filling the taco shells.
What toppings can I use besides the suggested ones?
Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Other options include diced onions, shredded cheese, olives, or salsa.
How do I store leftover tacos?
Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, avoid filling the taco shells until you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion
This quick and flavorful taco recipe is a perfect weeknight meal, combining lean ground beef with savory seasonings and topped with melty cheese. It’s customizable with a variety of toppings, making it a fun and interactive dining experience for family and friends.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Tacos
Substitute lean ground beef with black beans or lentils, and load up with veggies like bell peppers and corn for a hearty vegetarian option.
Chicken Tacos
Use cooked and shredded chicken in place of ground beef, seasoning with taco spices and adding lime juice for a zesty flavor.
Fish Tacos
Prepare flaky white fish, seasoned and grilled or fried, then serve in taco shells with a spicy slaw and avocado crema.
Taco Salad
Transform your ingredients into a taco salad by mixing the beef, cheese, and toppings over a bed of lettuce instead of using taco shells.
Breakfast Tacos
Fill taco shells with scrambled eggs, crumbled sausage, and cheese, topped with salsa and avocado for a delicious breakfast twist.
