Are you ready to elevate your taco night to a whole new level? Say goodbye to ordinary tacos and say hello to the irresistible delight of Ground Beef Puffy Tacos! With their light, airy shells and savory seasoned beef, these tacos are sure to become a family favorite. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal that serves six, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests with this mouthwatering recipe that combines the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with a fun, puffy twist!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 12 puffy taco shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Sour cream for topping
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by measuring out all components and having them ready near your cooking area.
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break the meat into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks.
- Cook the ground beef for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains visible.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet to ensure a lean meat mixture.
- Sprinkle the entire packet of taco seasoning over the cooked ground beef and stir thoroughly to combine.
- Add 1/2 cup of water to the skillet and simmer the seasoned beef for an additional 3-4 minutes until the liquid reduces and the meat is well-coated with seasoning.
- While the beef is simmering, warm the puffy taco shells according to package instructions. If store-bought, typically this involves heating in an oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare the toppings by chopping fresh tomatoes, shredding lettuce, and having cheese and sour cream ready.
- Once the taco shells are warm and the beef is seasoned, begin assembling the tacos by filling each puffy shell with the seasoned ground beef.
- Top each taco with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
- Add a dollop of sour cream on top of each taco just before serving.
- Serve immediately while the taco shells are still crisp and warm, and the beef is hot.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To streamline your cooking process, measure out all your ingredients beforehand. Having everything ready will make assembly quick and easy, allowing you to enjoy the cooking experience.
- Perfectly Cooked Beef: Make sure to cook the ground beef thoroughly until it’s browned and crumbly. This step is crucial for achieving the best texture and flavor in your tacos.
- Don’t Skip the Draining: After cooking the beef, drain any excess fat. This will ensure that your tacos are not greasy and let the flavors of the seasoning shine through.
- Seasoning Magic: When adding the taco seasoning, don’t be shy! Mix it well with the beef and allow it to simmer with water for a few minutes. This enhances the flavor and ensures every bite is packed with deliciousness.
- Warm Taco Shells: Warm your puffy taco shells in the oven as per package instructions for that perfect crunch. A crispy shell makes all the difference in texture and taste!
- Fresh Toppings: Use fresh ingredients for toppings like lettuce and tomatoes. The crunch and freshness will complement the savory beef beautifully.
- Serve Immediately: Assemble your tacos just before serving to keep the shells puffy and crisp. Enjoy them while they're hot for the best experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 70mg
