Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean to fat ratio is ideal)
- 1/4 cup water
- 3-4 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or try the homemade mix below)
For the Tacos:
- 12 corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced tomatoes
- Optional: chopped onions, sour cream, hot sauce, etc.
Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Make the Filling:
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up while cooking. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the water and taco seasoning to the beef. Stir well and let simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until most of the liquid has absorbed.
Prepare the Taco Shells:
There are two ways to get the crispy shells:
Frying:
- Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, use tongs to carefully fold a corn tortilla in half and dip into the oil. Hold for a few seconds until it begins to crisp slightly.
- Continue shaping the taco, frying until golden brown and crispy. It takes a minute or two per side.
- Remove to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly brush each tortilla with a bit of oil. Drape them over two bars of your oven rack to create a U-shape (or use a special taco holder).
- Bake for 5-7 minutes or until crispy.
Assemble Your Tacos:
- Fill each taco shell with a generous scoop of the seasoned beef mixture.
- Top your tacos with shredded lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and any other toppings of your choice.
Tips:
- Freshest Flavor: Make your own taco seasoning for the best taste.
- Shell Shape: If frying, work with one or two tacos at a time to prevent them from sticking together.
- Warm Shells: To keep shells warm while you finish cooking, place them in the oven on its lowest setting.
- Customization: The beauty of tacos is in how you customize them. Experiment with toppings like chopped onions, black olives, avocado, or your favorite salsa.
Enjoy your Del Taco-inspired feast!
