Crispy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe: My Weeknight Crunch (Print Version)

Crispy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe for a quick, flavorful dinner. Learn my secrets for crunchy shells and juicy, seasoned beef.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Dietary: Contains Meat

# Ingredients:

→ Crispy Taco Shell & Beef Base

01 - 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 chuck recommended)
02 - 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 6-8 corn tortillas (yellow corn preferred)
04 - 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil, for frying

→ Flavor Boosters

05 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tbsp chili powder
07 - 1 tsp ground cumin
08 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
10 - 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
11 - 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth

→ Fresh Toppings

12 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
13 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
14 - 1/2 cup salsa
15 - 1/2 cup sour cream

→ Optional Extras

16 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
17 - Diced tomatoes
18 - Pickled jalapeños

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get a large skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. You want it to brown beautifully, getting some lovely crispy bits. Drain off any excess grease – honestly, this is where I sometimes get a little messy, splashing oil everywhere! Once it’s mostly browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. The smell alone starts to make my mouth water; it’s the best part of cooking a Crispy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe, really!
02 - Now for the magic! Reduce the heat to medium. Sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper directly over the beef. Stir it all really well, letting those spices toast for about a minute. You’ll notice the aroma intensifying – that’s a good sign! Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook down for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the beef mixture is thick and flavorful. This step is crucial for deeply flavored Crispy Ground Beef Tacos; don't rush it!
03 - This is where the 'crispy' comes in! Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. One at a time, dip a corn tortilla into the hot oil for just about 10-15 seconds per side until it’s pliable. You're not frying it crispy yet, just softening it. Carefully fold it in half with tongs and fry for another 30-60 seconds per side until it's golden brown and holds its shape. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. I always burn my fingers a little here; it's a badge of honor for Crispy Ground Beef Tacos!
04 - Once your crispy shells are ready, it's assembly time! This is the fun part, and honestly, everyone has their own method. I like to lay out all my toppings like it's a little taco bar. Grab a crispy shell, spoon in a generous amount of that warm, seasoned ground beef. Don't be shy! Then, sprinkle in some shredded cheddar cheese – it’ll melt slightly from the warmth of the beef, which is just divine. This layering makes for the best Crispy Ground Beef Tacos, truly.
05 - Next up, the fresh stuff! Pile on some shredded lettuce. I always go for extra because I love the cool crunch. Then, a dollop of sour cream (or Greek yogurt if I'm pretending to be healthy, but let's be real, it's usually sour cream). And a spoonful of your favorite salsa. Sometimes I add a dash of hot sauce too, if I'm feeling spicy. This is where you really make your Crispy Ground Beef Tacos your own, so go wild!
06 - And there you have it! Your homemade Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are ready to be devoured. Serve them immediately while the shells are still warm and crunchy. The best part is that first bite – the crisp, the juicy beef, the cool toppings, it’s just a symphony of textures and flavors. Honestly, they never last long in my house. It's a simple meal, but it brings so much joy and satisfaction every single time. Dig in!

# Notes:

01 - Always drain the fat from the ground beef; it keeps the tacos from being greasy.
02 - Store crispy shells separately from fillings to maintain their crunch; don't refrigerate them!
03 - Ground turkey works well as a substitute if you prefer poultry, just add a bit more seasoning.
04 - Serve with a side of Mexican rice and a cold drink for a complete, comforting meal.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet
02 - separate frying pan
03 - tongs
04 - paper towels

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350-450
Total Fat: 20-25g
Total Carbohydrate: 25-30g
Protein: 20-25g

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