How to Make the Perfect Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
Mexican · Easy · 15 min · 4 servings
These crispy ground beef tacos are packed with bold seasoned beef and ready in just 15 minutes for a quick and satisfying dinner. The perfectly seasoned beef and crunchy shells make these tacos irresistibly delicious any night of the week.
Why this recipe works
This Crispy Ground Beef Tacos recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 460 calories with 26g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 8 shells hard taco shells
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5 to 6 minutes breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until fully browned and no pink remains.
Step 2: Season the Meat
Drain excess fat from the pan then add the taco seasoning packet along with 3 tablespoons of water. Stir well and simmer for 2 minutes until the seasoning coats the beef evenly.
Step 3: Warm the Shells
While beef simmers, arrange hard taco shells on a baking sheet and warm in a 350 degree oven for 2 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds until slightly crispy.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Spoon seasoned beef into each taco shell then top with shredded cheddar cheese and lettuce. Serve immediately with your favorite hot sauce or sour cream.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground beef → ground turkey for a leaner lower fat option
- hard taco shells → soft flour tortillas for a softer taco experience
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not draining excess fat after browning beef which makes the tacos greasy
- Adding too much water with the seasoning which makes the beef filling too wet and soggy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 460 calories, 26g protein, 34g carbs, 24g fat, 3g fiber.
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