Get ready to transform your dinner routine with these mouthwatering Crispy Ground Beef Tacos that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine perfectly seasoned, sizzling ground beef nestled in crunchy taco shells, topped with fresh, vibrant ingredients that create a symphony of textures and flavors. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or a weekend fiesta, these tacos are guaranteed to be the star of the show, bringing the authentic taste of Mexican cuisine right to your kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 taco seasoning packet
- 8 taco shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by measuring and chopping: shred lettuce, dice tomatoes, chop cilantro, and have cheese and sour cream ready.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Cook the ground beef for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet, leaving a small amount for flavor.
- Sprinkle the entire taco seasoning packet over the browned beef and add 3/4 cup of water. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the seasoned beef for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
- While the beef is simmering, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange taco shells on a baking sheet.
- Warm the taco shells in the oven for 3-5 minutes until they are crisp and heated through.
- Remove taco shells from the oven and let them cool slightly for easy handling.
- Fill each taco shell with the seasoned ground beef, leaving room for toppings.
- Top each taco with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve immediately while shells are still crispy.
Tips
- For extra crispy taco shells, brush them lightly with olive oil before heating in the oven.
- Use lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess fat while maintaining great flavor.
- Let the beef simmer in seasoning to develop deeper, more complex taste.
- Warm your taco shells just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.
- Prep all toppings in advance for quick and easy assembly.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or choose a spicy taco seasoning packet.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking beef to ensure proper browning.
- Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime can elevate the final flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
