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Old School Beef Taco Recipe

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4.4 from 12 reviews

Classic old school beef tacos featuring a juicy ground beef filling seasoned with a homemade blend of spices, stuffed into crispy baked taco shells and topped with shredded iceberg lettuce, tomato, cheese, and sour cream. This recipe delivers traditional flavors with an option to bake the filled shells for a gooey cheese finish.

Ingredients

For the Taco Shells

  • 10 to 12 crispy taco shells (stand and stuff) or soft tortillas of choice

Beef Tacos Filling

  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 500 g / 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup / 65ml water

Homemade Taco Seasoning

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp cumin powder
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Toppings

  • Shredded cheese (cheddar or preferred variety)
  • Shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 red or white onion, chopped
  • Sour cream
  • Taco sauce (optional)
  • Additional toppings as desired: coriander/cilantro, jalapeño, hot sauce, pickled chillies, salsa, pico de gallo

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180C/350F to prepare for baking the taco shells and cheese later.
  2. Prepare Beef Filling: Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion and cook for about 2 minutes until golden and fragrant.
  3. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, breaking it up as it browns and changes color from red to light brown.
  4. Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in the homemade taco seasoning blend (garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper). Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring well to ensure the beef is evenly flavored and fully cooked through.
  5. Add Tomato Paste and Water: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 1/4 cup (65 ml) of water. Cook for 1 minute or until the water has evaporated and the beef mixture remains juicy but not watery.
  6. Bake Tacos (Optional): Arrange the taco shells standing in a baking pan (enough to fit about 10). Fill each shell generously with the beef mixture and top with shredded cheese. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the shells are crispy.
  7. Serve: Remove tacos from the oven and serve hot. Provide shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, chopped onion, sour cream, taco sauce, and any other desired toppings so everyone can assemble their tacos to their liking.

Notes

  • You can use soft tortillas instead of crispy shells if preferred.
  • To stretch the beef filling, add diced vegetables like bell peppers or corn.
  • The baking step for melting cheese and crisping shells is optional; you can bake empty shells as per packet instructions instead.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper amount in seasoning to control spiciness.
  • Serve immediately for best texture; taco shells are crispest fresh from the oven.

Find it online: https://lauracooks.com/old-school-beef-taco-recipe/