Hard shell tacos get a bad rap. Not these. Golden, crunchy shells. Seasoned ground beef. Melty cheese. Fresh lettuce and salsa. One bite. That crunch. Taco Tuesday forever.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion. Cook 5-7 minutes, breaking it up, until beef is browned and cooked through.
Drain excess fat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
Season
Add taco seasoning and water. Stir and simmer 3-4 minutes until most liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat.
Warm Shells
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange taco shells on a baking sheet. Warm 3-4 minutes until crispy.
Assemble
Fill each shell with seasoned beef. Top with shredded cheese (the heat will melt it slightly).
Add lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, and hot sauce.
Serve
Serve immediately. Eat with your hands. Accept the crunch.
Summary
Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 15 min | Total: 25 min
Yield: 8-10 tacos | Difficulty: Easy
Storage Notes
Don’t assemble ahead. Soggy shells = sadness. Store seasoned beef in fridge for 4 days. Reheat beef in skillet or microwave. Assemble tacos fresh right before eating for maximum crunch. Shells can be stored in pantry.
