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Easy Crispy Classic Beef Tacos

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy taco shells filled with seasoned ground beef, topped with fresh veggies and cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 12 hard taco shells
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup fresh lettuce, shredded
  • 1 medium diced tomato
  • Sour cream (optional, for serving)
  • Sliced jalapeños or hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place taco shells on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook for about 5 minutes until it starts browning.
  3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes until onions soften and beef is fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in taco seasoning and tomato paste. Pour in 1/4 cup water and mix well. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes to thicken and develop flavor.
  5. Remove skillet from heat. Spoon beef mixture into crispy taco shells. Top with shredded cheddar cheese so it melts slightly, then add shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes. Finish with sour cream and jalapeños or hot sauce if desired.

Notes

For extra melty cheese, pop filled tacos back in the oven for 2 minutes before serving. Use a slotted spoon to serve beef to avoid soggy shells. Avoid microwaving taco shells to keep them crispy. Store beef mixture separately from shells to maintain crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef tacos, crispy tacos, easy taco recipe, classic tacos, quick dinner, taco night

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/easy-crispy-classic-beef-tacos-recipe-5-steps-for-perfect-tacos/