Ultimate Taco Bell-Style Tacos
Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of your favorite fast-food tacos right from the comfort of your home! This recipe captures the essence of Taco Bell's iconic tacos with a rich, savory meat mixture that's thick, greasy, and utterly satisfying. Perfectly seasoned and paired with fresh toppings, these tacos are sure to please everyone at your table. Ideal for family gatherings or a fun taco night, enjoy a bite of deliciousness in every crunchy shell.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground chuck
1 1/3 lbs (crumbled)
masa corn flour
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
chili powder
4 1/2 teaspoons (none)
onion powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
seasoning salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
paprika
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cumin
1/4 teaspoon (none)
garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
sugar
1/4 teaspoon (none)
instant minced onion
1 teaspoon (none)
beef bouillon
1/2 teaspoon (none)
taco shells
12 (none)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (none)
shredded lettuce
1/2 head (shredded)
roma tomatoes
2 (diced)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine masa corn flour, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, seasoning salt, paprika, cumin, garlic salt, sugar, instant minced onion, and beef bouillon. Mix well until all spices are evenly blended.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and brown the lean ground chuck until fully cooked, stirring occasionally to break up the meat into small pieces.
3
Once the meat is browned, carefully rinse it with hot water to remove excess grease. Drain well.
4
Return the rinsed meat to the skillet. Sprinkle the prepared spice mixture over the ground beef and add 3/4 to 1 cup of water. Stir well to combine.
5
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the mixture uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until most of the moisture has evaporated, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
Once the meat is thick and juicy but not dry, remove it from heat and set aside.
7
To prepare taco shells, place them in a baking dish and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 7-10 minutes until crispy.
8
Assemble your tacos by filling each shell with a couple of tablespoons of the seasoned ground beef, followed by shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ultimate Taco Bell-Style Tacos?
They are a homemade version of the iconic fast-food tacos, featuring a savory, seasoned ground beef mixture in crunchy shells.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/3 lbs of lean ground chuck.
Why is masa corn flour included in the ingredients?
Masa corn flour is used to thicken the meat mixture and provide that signature fast-food texture and flavor.
What spices are needed for the taco seasoning?
The seasoning includes chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, seasoning salt, paprika, cumin, and garlic salt.
Is sugar used in the taco meat?
Yes, a small amount (1/4 teaspoon) of sugar is included to balance the savory spices.
Do I need to rinse the ground beef?
Yes, the instructions recommend browning the meat and then rinsing it with hot water to remove excess grease.
How much water should I add to the meat mixture?
You should add between 3/4 to 1 cup of water after adding the spice mixture to the beef.
How long does the meat need to simmer?
The meat should simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes until most moisture has evaporated.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
This recipe is designed to make 12 servings.
At what temperature should I warm the taco shells?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm the shells.
How long should the taco shells stay in the oven?
The shells should be warmed for 7-10 minutes until they are crispy.
What kind of cheese is best for these tacos?
The recipe suggests using one cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Two diced Roma tomatoes are recommended for the topping.
Is instant minced onion required?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 teaspoon of instant minced onion for added flavor.
Does this recipe use beef bouillon?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of beef bouillon is added to the spice mix for extra richness.
How do I prevent the meat from sticking while simmering?
Stir the mixture occasionally while it simmers on medium-low heat.
Should the meat be dry after cooking?
No, the meat should be thick and juicy, but not excessively wet or completely dry.
How much chili powder is used?
The recipe calls for 4 1/2 teaspoons of chili powder.
Can I add sour cream to these tacos?
Yes, a dollop of sour cream is suggested as an optional topping during assembly.
What kind of lettuce is recommended?
Half a head of shredded lettuce is used for topping the tacos.
What is the first step in preparing the meat?
The first step is to combine all the dry spices and masa corn flour in a medium bowl.
How do I crumble the meat?
Brown the meat in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring to break it into small pieces.
What makes these tacos 'Ultimate'?
The combination of specific spices, bouillon, and masa flour creates a deep, nostalgic fast-food flavor profile.
Is paprika used in the seasoning?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika is included in the spice blend.
How much cumin is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of cumin.
Is this recipe suitable for a family taco night?
Yes, it is tagged as an ideal recipe for family gatherings and fun taco nights.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include Mexican, fast food, family meal, comfort food, and easy recipe.
Should the meat be drained?
Yes, after browning and rinsing the meat, it should be drained well.
How much garlic salt is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt.
In what order should I assemble the tacos?
Fill the shell with beef, then add shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, and sour cream.