How to Make the Perfect Taco Boats
Mexican-American · Easy · 25 min · 4 servings
These fun taco boats use crunchy tortilla boat shells filled with seasoned ground beef shredded cheese and simple toppings that kids can customize exactly the way they like. Letting children build their own taco boats makes dinner interactive and ensures even the pickiest eaters will eat every bite.
Why this recipe works
This Taco Boats recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 430 calories with 24g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 8 pieces crunchy taco boat shells
- 1.5 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 0.75 cup mild salsa
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat breaking it up with a spoon until no pink remains and it is fully browned throughout. Drain off any excess fat from the pan.
Step 2: Season the Meat
Add the taco seasoning packet to the browned beef along with the amount of water specified on the packet instructions and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
Step 3: Set Up the Taco Bar
Arrange the taco boat shells on a large baking sheet or serving tray and set out the shredded cheese sour cream and salsa in small bowls so everyone can reach them easily. This is the fun part where kids take control.
Step 4: Fill and Serve
Spoon the seasoned beef into each taco boat and let kids add their own cheese sour cream and salsa toppings in whatever amounts they prefer. Serve immediately while the beef is still hot and the shells are crispy.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground beef → ground turkey or black beans for a meatless version
- crunchy taco boat shells → soft flour tortillas folded into a boat shape
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding toppings too far in advance which makes the shells soggy before anyone can eat them
- Not draining the fat after browning the beef which makes the taco filling greasy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 430 calories, 24g protein, 32g carbs, 22g fat, 3g fiber.
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