There is something special about Taco Tuesday. It’s more than just a meal. It’s a fun, hands on experience that brings everyone to the table. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love tacos?
Today, we are making one of my all time favorite Ground Beef Recipes. We are talking about classic, crunchy beef tacos, made completely from scratch. Forget the store bought kits. This is so much better.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are going to adore this recipe for so many reasons. First off, the flavor is just incredible. The ground beef is seasoned with a simple blend of spices that creates a savory, rich filling. It’s a classic taste everyone loves.
Another huge plus is the texture. There is nothing quite like the crunch of a freshly fried tortilla shell. It’s a world away from the boxed shells you find at the store. It makes the whole meal feel like a real treat.
This is one of those Easy Hamburger Meat Recipes that is perfect for any night of the week. It comes together quickly, making it a great option for busy evenings when you need dinner on the table fast.
It is also super customizable. Everyone can build their own taco with their favorite toppings. This makes it a fantastic meal for families, especially if you have picky eaters. More cheese? Go for it. Extra lettuce? You got it.
Finally, this recipe is just plain fun to make. Frying your own shells is a simple kitchen skill that feels really rewarding. It turns dinner into an activity, not just a chore. This is one of those Ground Beef Recipes you’ll make again and again.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather to make these amazing tacos. The list is simple, and you probably have many of these spices in your pantry already. That is the beauty of great Ground Beef Dishes like this one.
- 1 ½ teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup water (or beef broth for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (from about ½ lime)
- 12 corn tortillas
- Oil, for frying (vegetable, olive, or avocado oil work well)
- Thinly shredded lettuce
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend is great)
- Diced tomatoes
- Sour cream
Having everything ready to go makes the cooking process so much smoother. It is a key part of making Quick Dinner Ideas come to life without any stress.
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Let’s walk through this process together. It’s easier than you think to create one of the best Ground Beef Recipes in your own kitchen.
Step 1: Make The Filling
First, let’s work on that delicious beef filling. Start by heating the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium high heat. Once the oil is shimmering slightly, it’s ready for the ground beef.
Add the ground beef to the hot skillet. Cook it for about 6 to 8 minutes. Your goal here is to brown the meat evenly. Use a spoon or spatula to break the meat apart into small crumbles as it cooks.
You will notice some excess grease in the pan. It’s important to drain this off. You can carefully tilt the pan to one side and spoon it out. This keeps the filling from being too oily.
Now it’s time for the flavor. Add the tomato paste, water, chili powder, cumin, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
Let this mixture cook for another minute. This helps all the spices wake up and meld together, creating a really rich and savory sauce that coats the beef. The aroma is just wonderful.
Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh lime juice. This little bit of acidity at the end really brightens up all the flavors. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
Step 2: Make The Crunchy Taco Shells
This is the fun part. Let’s make our own crunchy shells. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with paper towels. This will be where your finished shells drain, so they stay nice and crispy.
Pour about one inch of frying oil into a sauté pan or a pot. Heat it over medium high heat. You need the oil to be hot enough, but not smoking. A simple way to test it is to dip the edge of a tortilla in the oil.
If the oil starts to sizzle and bubble around the tortilla, you are good to go. If it doesn’t, just give it another minute to heat up. This is a crucial step for many great Ground Beef Recipes.
Now, working one tortilla at a time, carefully place a tortilla into the hot oil. Let it fry for about 15 seconds. It will puff up a bit. This quick fry makes it pliable enough to fold.
Next, flip the tortilla over. Immediately use a pair of tongs to gently fold the tortilla in half. You are creating that classic taco shell U shape. Hold it in place and fry for another 15 seconds.
Flip the folded shell one more time, still holding it with the tongs. Fry the other side for a final 15 seconds. This ensures both sides are equally golden and crispy. It happens fast, so stay focused.
Once it’s golden brown, transfer the finished taco shell to the paper towel lined baking sheet. Let any excess oil drain off. Continue this process with the rest of your tortillas until you have a beautiful stack of crunchy shells.
Step 3: Assemble And Serve
The moment has arrived. It’s time to assemble your amazing tacos. Set up a little taco bar with the warm beef filling, the crispy shells, and all of your toppings in separate bowls. This is what makes it a fun meal.
Spoon the seasoned ground beef into each taco shell. Then, let everyone add their favorite toppings. Go with the classics like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
Serve them immediately while the shells are at their crunchiest and the filling is warm. These are definitely best eaten fresh. This is one of those Easy Hamburger Meat Recipes that everyone will rave about.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, proper storage is key to enjoying them later. The most important rule is to store all the components separately. Do not store assembled tacos, as they will get soggy.
Place the leftover ground beef filling in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. You can easily reheat it in the microwave or in a small skillet on the stove.
The homemade taco shells can be stored in a sealed bag or airtight container at room temperature. They should stay crispy for a day or two. If they lose some crunch, you can crisp them up in a 350 degree oven for a few minutes.
Store all your fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese in separate containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh for your next taco craving. It’s a great way to enjoy these fantastic Ground Beef Dishes again.
Tips
Want to make this recipe even better? Here are a few simple tips to help you get the best results. These little pointers can help with many of your favorite Ground Beef Recipes.
When choosing your ground beef, an 80/20 blend is a great choice. It has enough fat to provide lots of flavor but not so much that it becomes greasy. Just be sure to drain the excess fat after browning.
Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely diced jalapeño to the beef mixture while it cooks. This is a simple way to customize the flavor.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings. Beyond the classics, consider adding things like sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, diced red onion, or your favorite salsa. The possibilities are endless.
If you don’t have tomato paste, you can substitute it with about a third of a cup of tomato sauce. You may just need to simmer the filling a little longer to let the sauce reduce and thicken slightly.
Making this for a party? You can easily double or triple the recipe. The beef filling can be made ahead of time and just reheated before serving, making it a great addition to your list of Quick Dinner Ideas for a crowd.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, delicious, and fun way to make crunchy beef tacos at home. This recipe proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps to create a truly satisfying meal.
It’s one of those staple Ground Beef Recipes that deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation. It’s affordable, family friendly, and so much tastier than any takeout. I hope you give it a try.
Enjoy the process, have fun with the toppings, and savor every crunchy bite. Happy cooking. I am sure this will become one of your go to Easy Hamburger Meat Recipes.
FAQ
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead?
Absolutely. Ground turkey is a great alternative if you prefer it. Since turkey is leaner, you might want to add a little extra olive oil when you brown it to prevent sticking. The flavor will be a bit lighter but still delicious.
Can I Bake The Tortillas Instead Of Frying?
Yes, you can. For a baked version, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly brush each side of the corn tortillas with oil. Drape them over two bars of your oven rack to create a taco shape. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes until golden and crisp.
How Do I Know When The Oil Is Hot Enough?
The easiest way is the tortilla test mentioned earlier. Just dip a corner of a tortilla into the oil. If it immediately starts to bubble and sizzle vigorously, your oil is ready. If it’s a slow, lazy bubble, wait another minute or two.
What Other Ground Beef Dishes Can I Make With This Filling?
This seasoned beef filling is incredibly versatile. You can use it to make nachos, taco salads, burritos, or stuffed bell peppers. It is a fantastic base for many different Ground Beef Dishes, making it a wonderful recipe to know.
Classic Crunchy Beef Tacos
This recipe shares how to make classic, crunchy beef tacos from scratch. Forget the store-bought kits; this easy, customizable dish delivers incredible flavor and a satisfying crisp, perfect for any weeknight or family gathering.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat 1 ½ teaspoons olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add tomato paste, ½ cup water, chili powder, kosher salt, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 1 minute, allowing spices to meld.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice. Set aside.
- Line a large baking sheet with paper towels. Pour about one inch of frying oil into a sauté pan or pot and heat over medium-high heat until it sizzles around a test tortilla.
- Working one tortilla at a time, carefully place a corn tortilla into the hot oil and fry for about 15 seconds until it puffs up.
- Flip the tortilla, then immediately use tongs to gently fold it in half, creating a U shape. Hold in place and fry for another 15 seconds.
- Flip the folded shell again and fry the other side for a final 15 seconds until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the finished taco shell to the paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Set up a taco bar with the warm beef filling, crispy shells, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sour cream. Spoon the seasoned ground beef into each taco shell.
- Let everyone add their favorite toppings. Serve immediately while shells are crunchy and filling is warm.
Notes
When choosing your ground beef, an 80/20 blend is a great choice. It has enough fat to provide lots of flavor but not so much that it becomes greasy. Just be sure to drain the excess fat after browning.
Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely diced jalapeño to the beef mixture while it cooks. This is a simple way to customize the flavor.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings. Beyond the classics, consider adding things like sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, diced red onion, or your favorite salsa. The possibilities are endless.
If you don’t have tomato paste, you can substitute it with about a third of a cup of tomato sauce. You may just need to simmer the filling a little longer to let the sauce reduce and thicken slightly.
Making this for a party? You can easily double or triple the recipe. The beef filling can be made ahead of time and just reheated before serving, making it a great addition to your list of quick dinner ideas for a crowd.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
