Save A crave-worthy, budget-friendly version of the famous fast-food favorite: crunchy seasoned beef tacos wrapped in warm, cheesy flatbreads, finished with lettuce, cheese, and zesty sauce.
The first time I made these tacos at home, everyone was amazed that they tasted just like the ones from the drive-thru, but fresher and even more satisfying.
Ingredients
- Beef & Seasonings: 1/2 lb (225 g) ground beef, 1/2 small onion (finely diced), 1 clove garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons water
- Cheesy Flatbreads: 4 small flour tortillas (soft taco size), 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- Crunchy Tacos & Toppings: 4 crunchy taco shells, 1 cup (60 g) shredded iceberg lettuce, 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded Monterey Jack or extra cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup (60 ml) ranch dressing or spicy chipotle mayo, 1 small tomato (diced, optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until fully browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season & Simmer:
- Add garlic, taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and water. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until beef is well seasoned and moist. Remove from heat.
- Melt Cheese on Tortillas:
- Meanwhile, heat a nonstick pan over medium. Place 1 flour tortilla in the pan, sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, and cover until cheese melts (1 to 2 minutes).
- Combine with Crunchy Shells:
- Immediately press a crunchy taco shell onto the melted cheese so it adheres. Remove from the pan. Repeat with remaining tortillas, cheese, and shells.
- Assemble Tacos:
- Fill each taco shell with seasoned beef.
- Add Toppings & Serve:
- Top with lettuce, Monterey Jack or extra cheddar, ranch dressing or chipotle mayo, and diced tomatoes if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Save These tacos became a regular Friday night tradition, especially when the kids want something fun and flavorful that feels like a treat.
Required Tools
Large skillet, nonstick frying pan, spatula, knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (tortillas), milk (cheese, ranch), eggs (mayonnaise in ranch), and possible soy (in taco shells or ranch). Always check labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per taco: 350 calories, 20 g total fat, 28 g carbohydrates, 16 g protein
Save Try these tacos hot and fresh for best flavor, and customize the toppings to suit everyone at the table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of beef works best for these tacos?
Ground beef with about 80% lean content provides the best balance of flavor and moisture, but leaner or plant-based alternatives can be used as well.
- → How do I make the cheesy flatbreads?
Heat a flour tortilla in a nonstick pan, sprinkle with shredded cheddar, then press a crunchy taco shell onto the melted cheese to let it adhere and form a crispy layer.
- → Can I customize the sauce toppings?
Yes, choose between ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or mix your own spicy sauce with mayo, hot sauce, and a squeeze of lime for a zesty kick.
- → What are good substitutions for tacos filling?
Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles make excellent alternatives to beef and still work well with the seasoning and toppings.
- → How can I add more heat to these tacos?
Include jalapeños, hot sauce, or a spicy seasoning blend to the beef mixture or as a topping to enhance the heat level.