Classic Ground Beef Tacos With Full Recipe Of (Crispy Shells)

Preparing Your Beef Tacos:

Making beef tacos can be simple if you approach it with a plan. Start with a couple of pounds of  thawed ground beef, ensuring it’s ready for cooking. I always use two pounds because it  guarantees plenty of food for dinner and some leftovers for the next day. While the beef is  cooking, take some time to chop the onion and measure the seasonings ahead of time, so  everything is ready when you need it. This small amount of prep work saves time and keeps  everything organized. 

For the toppings, my favorite is Monterey Jack cheese, which I prefer to shred from a block for a  much creamier consistency. Whether it’s the bold flavors of the seasoned meat or the smooth  texture of freshly shredded cheese, every ingredient comes together beautifully. A little effort  goes a long way in creating tacos that everyone loves. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 lb ground beef 
• 2 TBSP minced garlic 
• 1 chopped onion 
• 1 tsp each of salt and pepper 
• 1/2 tsp cayenne 
• 4 tsp chili powder 
• 2 tsp each of cumin and dried cilantro
• 1 1/2 cups of beef broth 
• White corn tortillas 
• 1 tbsp oil 
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese 
• Taco Toppings (sour cream, taco sauce, Pico de Gallo, shredded lettuce) 

Make Beef Tacos:

To begin, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Once the beef  begins to brown, toss in the chopped onion and continue to cook until the beef is fully browned.  Drain the excess grease from the meat and add the minced garlic. Now, it’s time to season the  meat. I like to use salt, pepper, cayenne, chili powder, dried cilantro, and cumin for the perfect  blend. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use a taco seasoning packet, but I recommend making  your own for a more flavorful dish.

Once the meat is seasoned, pour in about 1 1/2 cups of beef broth and stir everything together.  Let this mixture come to a quick boil, then reduce the heat and cover with a lid. Let it simmer on low for about 20 minutes or until the liquid starts to reduce. If the liquid hasn’t reduced  enough, remove the lid and let it continue cooking a bit longer. 

Why You’ll Love It:

To make the beef filling even better, I like to use tomato paste for that extra umami flavor. It’s a  simple way to boost the richness of the dish while keeping it easy and delicious. If you’re ready  to take tacos to the next level, this recipe has you covered!

Perfecting Your Beef Taco Filling:

To make the perfect taco filling, start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and  adding ground beef with some chopped onion. Let the meat cook until it’s fully browned, then  carefully drain the grease to keep the dish light. Mix in minced garlic to enhance the aroma. For  seasoning, I like a personal blend of taco seasonings such as salt, pepper, cayenne, chili powder,  dried cilantro, and cumin. While you could use a pre-made seasoning packet, the homemade  touch adds a unique flavor. Once the meat is well seasoned, pour in about 1 1/2 cups of beef  broth and give it a thorough stir.

Allow the mixture to come to a quick boil, then reduce the heat, cover the skillet with a lid, and  let it simmer on low for about 20 minutes. This helps the flavors meld while the liquid starts to  reduce. If the sauce needs to thicken further, simply remove the lid and continue cooking until  it reaches the desired consistency. This slow process ensures the filling is juicy and bursting with  flavor, perfect for your tacos.

Building Perfect Beef Tacos:

When the meat is ready, start by heating a clean skillet and adding 1-2 tbsp of oil—either  olive or avocado oil works well for flavor. Place a few white corn tortillas in the skillet, then  sprinkle each with a small handful of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Add a spoonful of taco  meat to each tortilla, and carefully fold them in half. Allow the tacos to cook on both sides  until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become delightfully crispy.

This step can be a bit tricky, but using a spatula to fold the sides and gently press down on  each taco helps them hold their shape. After a few minutes, once they are fully cooked,  transfer the tacos onto paper towels to drain any extra grease. This simple method ensures  tacos that are full of flavor and just the right texture, perfect for any occasion.

Serve and Enjoy Beef Tacos:

Once all the tacos are perfectly made, it’s time to serve them and enjoy! Pairing them with  fresh Pico de Gallo adds a tangy kick, while a dollop of sour cream brings a creamy balance.  For an extra touch, I love adding my favorite Pomegranate Guacamole to the plate. It’s a blend  of vibrant flavors that makes the meal even more delightful.

This combination is not only satisfying but also elevates the simple act of eating into a  flavorful experience. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, these tacos are

Print Recipe

Classic Ground Beef Tacos With Full Recipe Of (Crispy Shells)

Author: jiyaa Cooking Method: Stovetop (Skillet) Cuisine: Mexican-American Courses: Main Course, Weeknight Dinner Recipe Keys: High Protein Kids Non Vegetarian Quick Meals

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 25 mins Total Time 40 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: ~400–450 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Crunchy corn tortillas filled with perfectly seasoned beef, melted Monterey Jack, and fresh toppings. A customizable family favorite ready in 30 minutes!

Ingredients

Servings

• 2 lbs Ground beef
• 2 tbsp Minced garlic
• 1 - Onion (chopped)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Pepper
• ½ tsp Cayenne pepper
• 4 tsp Chili powder
• 2 tsp Cumin
• 2 tsp Dried cilantro
• 1½ cups Beef broth
• - - White corn tortillas
• 1 tbsp Oil (for frying)
• - - Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
• - - Taco toppings (sour cream, lettuce, Pico de Gallo)

How to Make Classic Ground Beef Tacos with Crispy Shells

1. Cook the Beef Filling

   • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Add 2 lbs ground beef + 1 chopped onion. Cook until beef browns (~5-7 mins).

   • Drain excess grease → stir in 2 tbsp minced garlic.

1. Season the Beef

   • Add:

     • 1 tsp each salt & pepper

     • ½ tsp cayenne

     • 4 tsp chili powder

     • 2 tsp each cumin & dried cilantro

   • Pour in 1½ cups beef broth → stir well.

1. Simmer

   • Bring to a boil → reduce heat → cover → simmer 20 mins until liquid reduces.

1. Make Crispy Shells

   • Heat 1 tbsp oil in clean skillet.

   • Layer corn tortillas with:

     1. Shredded Monterey Jack cheese

     2. Cooked beef filling

        • Fold tortillas → cook until golden/crispy (~2 mins/side).

1. Serve

   • Top with Pico de Gallo, sour cream, shredded lettuce.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Serving Size 2 tacos (approx. 200g)

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 25g39%

Saturated Fat 10g50%

Cholesterol 85mg29%

Sodium 900mg38%

Potassium 450mg13%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 4g16%

Sugars 3g

Protein 25g50%

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Vitamin A 800 IU

Vitamin C 6 mg

Calcium 150 mg

Iron 3 mg

Vitamin B12 1.2 mcg

Zinc 4 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: beef tacos, crispy taco shells, homemade taco seasoning, quick Mexican dinner