Beef Tacos Hard Shells (Print)
Crispy hard shells filled with seasoned beef, fresh toppings, and zesty flavors for an easy, flavorful meal.
# Ingredient list:
→ Beef Filling
01 - 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
05 - 2/3 cup water
06 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
→ Shells
07 - 8 hard corn taco shells
→ Toppings
08 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
09 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
10 - 1 medium tomato, diced
11 - 1/2 cup sour cream
12 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
13 - 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
14 - Salsa or hot sauce
15 - Lime wedges
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange taco shells on baking sheet and warm for 5 minutes until crisp.
02 - Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with spoon, until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
03 - Add chopped onion to skillet and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
04 - Sprinkle taco seasoning and tomato paste over beef. Mix well. Pour in water, reduce heat to medium, and simmer 4-5 minutes until thickened.
05 - Remove shells from oven. Spoon beef mixture evenly into each shell.
06 - Top with lettuce, cheese, tomato, sour cream, cilantro, jalapeño, and salsa as desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The 80/20 beef blend keeps the filling juicy instead of dry and crumbly
- Warming the shells in the oven makes them restaurant-style crispy from first bite to last
02 -
- Overfilling shells is the number one cause of structural failure during consumption
- Letting the meat mixture cool slightly before filling prevents premature shell sogginess
03 -
- Double the meat mixture and freeze half for an even faster taco night next week
- Warm your plates in the oven for 2 minutes to keep tacos hot longer