Crispy Ground Beef Tacos

Name: Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (85% lean); 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 3/4 tsp salt; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 2/3 cup water or broth; 12 hard taco shells; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar; 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce; 2 tomatoes, diced; diced jalapeño or green pepper, sour cream and salsa, to serve

Crunchy oven-warmed taco shells filled with a savory homemade-seasoned ground beef, cheddar, lettuce and tomato. A fast family taco night.

Prep10 min

Cook20 min

Total30 min

Serves4

What you'll need

12-inch cast-iron skilletFor searing and oven finishes

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Nonstick baking sheetsFor roasting and baking

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8-inch chef's knifeFor all the chopping

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (85% lean)

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp chili powder

1 1/2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp dried oregano

3/4 tsp salt

1 tbsp tomato paste

2/3 cup water or broth

12 hard taco shells

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar

2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce

2 tomatoes, diced

diced jalapeño or green pepper, sour cream and salsa, to serve

Steps

Heat the oven to 375°F. Cook the beef and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat, until browned, about 8 minutes. Spoon off most of the fat.

Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano and salt and stir 1 minute. Stir in the tomato paste and water and simmer until saucy but not wet, 5 minutes.

Stand the taco shells on a sheet pan and warm in the oven 5 to 7 minutes, until crisp.

Spoon the beef into the shells and top with cheese, then lettuce, tomato and any extras you like.

TipPut the cheese in right on top of the hot beef so it melts before the cold toppings go on.