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4.9 from 33 votes

Classic Hard Shell Tacos

These crunchy hard shell tacos are a Tex-Mex classic filled with ground beef, cheese and more! Homemade yet still as delicious as the fast-food version.

Prep Time
6 mins
Cook Time
6 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 335 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

For the taco seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
For the tacos
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 12 hard taco shells
  • 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional toppings
  • shredded lettuce
  • diced tomatoes
  • sour cream
  • salsa

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and dried oregano. Set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add onions and saute for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
  4. Add ground beef and break up into smaller chunks using a wooden spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is completely browned, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  5. Add small bowl of taco seasoning and tomato paste. Mix thoroughly until tomato paste is completely combined with all the meat.
  6. Add water, mix to combine and remove the taco meat from the heat.
  7. Heat up hard taco shells according to package instructions.
  8. Divide meat mixture into taco shells and top with shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream and salsa. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Information

Serving 2tacos Calories 335kcal (17%) Carbohydrates 12g (4%) Protein 27g (54%) Fat 24g (37%) Saturated Fat 11g (55%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0g Monounsaturated Fat 2g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 90mg (30%) Sodium 707mg (29%) Potassium 164mg (5%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 1g (2%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 335

% Daily Value*

Serving 2tacos
Calories 335kcal 17%
Carbohydrates 12g 4%
Protein 27g 54%
Fat 24g 37%
Saturated Fat 11g 55%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g 0%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Trans Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 90mg 30%
Sodium 707mg 29%
Potassium 164mg 3%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 1g 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.