Description
Delicious crispy tacos filled with seasoned ground beef, perfect for family dinners or parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package crispy taco shells (or soft flour or corn tortillas!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon roasted garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare everything for cooking the beef filling—the process goes quickly! Dice onion, mince garlic, and stir together all seasonings: chili powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place taco shells in a 9×13-inch baking pan (all 12 should fit) and set aside. Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Heat oil in a large pan (cast-iron if possible) over high heat. Add onion and cook 2–3 minutes or until light golden. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and cook 2–4 minutes, breaking it up into small pieces until meat is no longer pink. Avoid stirring/breaking beef up too much—allow it to brown too. Drain off extra grease as needed. Add seasoning mixture and stir for another 1–2 minutes or until beef is completely cooked through. Add in tomato sauce and stir until thickened, another 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to slightly cool.
- Divide beef evenly among the 12 shells. Add cheese on top of each (add about 2–3 tablespoons of a Monterey jack and extra-sharp Cheddar blend per taco). Bake 6–8 minutes or until cheese is melty.
- While tacos are cooking, set out toppings in bowls or on a large platter. Suggested toppings include chopped cherry tomatoes, iceberg lettuce, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and a scoop of sour cream.
- Serve tacos hot out of the oven and let everyone add whatever toppings they like best. Enjoy with a squeeze of fresh lime!
Notes
- For a spicier option, include the cayenne pepper; omit it if sensitive to spice.
- Variation ideas for toppings include guacamole, taco sauce, salsa, pico de gallo, and chopped onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg