Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/3 cup water
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 8 taco shells (hard or soft)
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
- Sour cream
- Salsa or pico de gallo
Instructions
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Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
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Add Aromatics: Stir in diced onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Season: Sprinkle in taco seasoning and pour in water. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Warm Shells: Heat taco shells according to package instructions.
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Assemble: Spoon beef into shells and top with desired toppings. Serve immediately.
Notes
Cooking Tips
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Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
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Toast taco shells briefly in the oven for extra crunch.
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Add a splash of beef broth instead of water for deeper flavor.
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Keep beef warm in a slow cooker for taco bars or parties.
🔄 Variations
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Spicy Tacos: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the beef.
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Cheesy Beef Tacos: Stir shredded cheese directly into the beef before serving.
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Healthy Swap: Use ground turkey or lean beef and serve in lettuce cups.
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Street-Style: Top with diced onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 Tacos
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 23g