American Style Tacos (Printable)

Crunchy shells loaded with seasoned beef, fresh veggies, cheddar, and zesty salsa for a tasty meal.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
03 - 1 medium tomato, diced
04 - 1 small red onion, finely diced (optional)

→ Seasonings

05 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
10 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Other

13 - 8 crunchy taco shells
14 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
15 - 1/2 cup prepared salsa
16 - 1/4 cup water
17 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

# Directions:

01 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking apart with a spatula, until fully browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat the beef evenly.
03 - Pour in water, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to meld flavors and reduce liquid slightly. Remove from heat.
04 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Warm taco shells for 2 to 3 minutes according to package directions to achieve crispness.
05 - Fill each taco shell with seasoned beef, then layer shredded lettuce, diced tomato, optional onion, shredded cheddar, and a spoonful of salsa.
06 - Present assembled tacos promptly to maintain shell crispness and optimal flavor.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Ready in 30 minutes flat, which means dinner happens before anyone gets hangry.
  • The seasoning blend tastes homemade and authentic without requiring a spice cabinet overhaul.
  • Everyone gets to build their own, so picky eaters and adventurous ones are equally happy.
02 -
  • Drain the excess fat from the beef after browning—it's the step that separates a good taco from a greasy one.
  • Never skip warming the shells; room temperature or cold shells taste stale and break apart.
  • Bloom your spices in the fat for at least a minute so they taste bold instead of muted.
03 -
  • Make the beef mixture ahead of time and reheat it gently—the flavors actually deepen after sitting a few hours.
  • Keep all your toppings prepped and separate so assembly happens fast and shells stay warm and crispy.
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