Crispy Ground Beef Tacos

★ 4.6 · Easy

Seasoned ground beef piled into crispy fried corn tortilla shells with lettuce, cheese, and tomato -- a family-favorite weeknight classic ready in 30 minutes.

15 minPrep Time

20 minCook Time

35 minTotal Time

4 servings (about 12 tacos)Yield

Why You'll Love This

Family-favorite weeknight classic
Ready in about 35 minutes
Customizable with your favorite taco toppings

Ingredients

1.5 lbground beef (85% lean)
1small onion, finely diced
2 clovesgarlic, minced
2 tablespoonschili powder
1 teaspoonground cumin
1/2 teaspoonsmoked paprika
1/2 teaspoonkosher salt
1/2 cupwater
12corn tortillas
1/2 cupvegetable oil, for frying (or use pre-made hard taco shells)
1.5 cupsshredded cheddar cheese
2 cupsshredded iceberg lettuce
1large tomato, diced
1/2 cupsour cream, for serving

Nutrition (estimated per serving)

520Calories

28gProtein

34gFat

28gCarbs

4gFiber

680mgSodium

Nutrition information is an estimate calculated from the ingredients listed and will vary based on the specific products used. It is not a substitute for advice from a nutrition professional.

Method

Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef and diced onion.
Cook, breaking the beef into small crumbles with a spatula, for 6 to 8 minutes until no longer pink and internal temperature reaches 160F.
Drain excess fat, then add garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; stir to coat the beef.
Pour in 1/2 cup water, stir, and simmer for 5 minutes until the liquid mostly reduces and the beef is well-seasoned and moist but not soupy.
Meanwhile, if frying your own shells, heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a separate small skillet over medium heat until 350F.
Using tongs, fold each corn tortilla in half and fry for 30 to 45 seconds per side until crisp and golden, holding it open with tongs to form the taco shape; drain on paper towels.
Alternatively, warm store-bought hard taco shells in a 350F oven for 5 minutes according to package directions.
Fill each crispy shell with a spoonful of the seasoned beef.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and a dollop of sour cream.
Serve immediately while the shells are still crisp.
Avoid filling the shells too far ahead of serving, or the crisp shells will soften and become soggy from the moisture in the filling.

Tips

Simmering the seasoned beef briefly with water lets the spices fully bloom and coat the meat, similar to packaged taco seasoning but fresher-tasting.
Frying your own corn tortilla shells gives noticeably better crunch and flavor than most store-bought shells.