Get ready to elevate your taco night with our mouthwatering "Code Red Beef Tacos"! Bursting with flavor and ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive gathering with friends. Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy taco shell filled with perfectly seasoned ground beef, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and melty cheese—it's a fiesta in every bite! Don't miss out on this deliciously simple recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive in and discover how to create taco perfection in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 8 taco shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by measuring and chopping them as specified in the recipe list.
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break the meat into small crumbles using a wooden spatula or cooking utensil.
- Cook the ground beef for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet to ensure a lean and clean meat mixture.
- Sprinkle the entire packet of taco seasoning over the cooked ground beef, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the spices.
- Add 1/4 cup of water to the skillet and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the seasoning to fully incorporate and create a saucy consistency.
- While the meat is finishing, warm the taco shells in the oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to create a crisp texture.
- Remove the taco shells from the oven and begin assembling by first adding a layer of seasoned ground beef.
- Top each taco with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Serve immediately while the beef is hot and the shells are crisp.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and measure out the taco seasoning before you start cooking. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Choose the Right Beef: For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your taco toppings! Avocado, sour cream, jalapeños, or even salsa can add a delightful twist to your tacos.
- Crispy Taco Shells: Warm your taco shells in the oven for that perfect crunch. If you prefer a softer taco, you can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds.
- Batch Cooking: This recipe is easily scalable! If you're feeding a crowd, simply double the ingredients and use a larger skillet to cook the beef.
- Leftovers: If you have any seasoned beef left over, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It makes a great filling for burritos or nachos!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 75mg
