Description
Crispy beef tacos filled with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar, and classic spices, all tucked inside golden, crunchy taco shells. A quick and satisfying dish perfect for taco nights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 taco shells
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and warm taco shells in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.
- In the skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Wipe out the skillet, add a little oil if needed, and heat again for frying the tacos.
- Spoon beef mixture into taco shells and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Place filled tacos in the skillet. Press gently with a spatula and cook each side for 2–3 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Transfer tacos to a paper towel-lined plate. Let rest 1 minute before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Do not overstuff the taco shells to keep them from getting soggy.
- For extra crunch, heat the shells a few minutes longer before filling.
- Customize with your favorite toppings like guacamole, sour cream, or salsa.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tacos
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: crispy beef tacos, taco recipe, Tex-Mex dinner, easy tacos, taco night, ground beef tacos