Craving a quick, delicious meal that'll transport you straight to flavor town? Look no further than these mouthwatering Classic Ground Beef Hardshell Tacos! In just 25 minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing feast that'll have everyone at the table begging for seconds. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or looking for a fast weeknight meal, these tacos are about to become your new go-to recipe that combines traditional Mexican-inspired flavors with irresistible crunch.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 taco seasoning packet
- 12 hardshell taco shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Sour cream for serving
- Hot sauce for serving
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by measuring and chopping: dice tomatoes, shred lettuce, and have cheese and taco shells ready.
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add ground beef. Break the meat 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 using a colander, then return the beef to the pan.
- Sprinkle the entire taco seasoning packet over the beef and add 2/3 cup of water. Stir thoroughly to combine.
- Simmer the seasoned beef for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
- While the beef is simmering, preheat taco shells in the oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to crisp them up.
- Remove taco shells from oven and let them cool slightly for easier handling.
- Assemble tacos by filling each shell with seasoned beef, then top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
- Serve immediately with sour cream and hot sauce on the side for additional garnishing.
Tips
- For the most flavorful beef, choose ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20) to ensure juicy, well-seasoned meat.
- Don't skip draining the excess fat after browning the beef - this prevents greasy tacos and helps the seasoning stick better.
- Toast your taco shells in the oven for those extra few minutes to enhance their crispiness and prevent sogginess.
- Prep all your toppings in advance to make assembly quick and smooth.
- Warm your plates beforehand to keep the tacos hot during serving.
- Experiment with additional toppings like diced onions, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor complexity.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, choose a hot sauce with a flavor profile that complements the taco seasoning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 70mg