Ingredients
For the Taco Meat
- 1 ½ teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste (see notes for using tomato sauce)
- ½ cup water (or beef broth)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (about ½ lime)
For the Crunchy Taco Shells
- 12 corn tortillas
- Oil, for frying (vegetable oil, olive oil, or avocado oil are great)
For Serving
- Thinly shredded lettuce
- Shredded cheese
- Diced tomatoes
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Make the Filling: Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if necessary. Add the tomato paste, water (or beef broth), chili powder, ground cumin, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice.
- Prepare the Crunchy Taco Shells: Line a large baking sheet with paper towels. Heat about 1 inch of frying oil in a sauté pan or pot over medium-high heat until hot (check by dipping a tortilla edge in; it should sizzle). Fry one tortilla at a time for 15 seconds, flip it and fold into a “U” shape with tongs, frying for another 15 seconds. Flip once more, maintaining the fold, and fry for an additional 15 seconds. Transfer to the lined baking sheet to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Assemble and Serve: Fill each taco shell with the cooked ground beef mixture. Top with shredded lettuce, cheese, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- If you prefer a saucier meat filling, substitute tomato paste with tomato sauce.
- You can use beef broth instead of water for more flavor in the meat mixture.
- For softer tacos, skip frying the shells and warm the tortillas on a dry skillet instead.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, adding more chili powder for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
