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Classic Ground Beef Hardshell Tacos

Classic Ground Beef Hardshell Tacos

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. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 1 taco seasoning packet
  3. 12 hardshell taco shells
  4. 1 cup shredded lettuce
  5. 1 cup diced tomatoes
  6. 1 cup shredded cheese
  7. Sour cream for serving
  8. Hot sauce for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare all ingredients by measuring and chopping: dice tomatoes, shred lettuce, and have cheese and taco shells ready.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add ground beef. Break the meat into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula.
  3. Cook the ground beef for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains.
  4. Drain excess fat from the skillet using a colander, then return the beef to the pan.
  5. Sprinkle the entire taco seasoning packet over the beef and add 2/3 cup of water. Stir thoroughly to combine.
  6. Simmer the seasoned beef for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
  7. While the beef is simmering, preheat taco shells in the oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to crisp them up.
  8. Remove taco shells from oven and let them cool slightly for easier handling.
  9. Assemble tacos by filling each shell with seasoned beef, then top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
  10. Serve immediately with sour cream and hot sauce on the side for additional garnishing.

Tips

  1. For the most flavorful beef, choose ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20) to ensure juicy, well-seasoned meat.
  2. Don't skip draining the excess fat after browning the beef - this prevents greasy tacos and helps the seasoning stick better.
  3. Toast your taco shells in the oven for those extra few minutes to enhance their crispiness and prevent sogginess.
  4. Prep all your toppings in advance to make assembly quick and smooth.
  5. Warm your plates beforehand to keep the tacos hot during serving.
  6. Experiment with additional toppings like diced onions, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor complexity.
  7. 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

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