Ground Beef Tacos (Just Like Taco Bell)
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
12 tacos
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Calories
238 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Ground Beef Tacos (Just Like Taco Bell)
Description
This recipe starts by browning ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic to build a flavorful base. A spice mixture of cumin, chili powder, garlic salt, kosher salt, and black pepper is added to replicate Taco Bell's signature seasoning. The mixture is then simmered with tomato juice and yellow cornmeal; the cornmeal thickens the sauce and adds a slightly grainy texture that closely resembles the fast-food taco meat.
The beef mixture is spooned into crisp taco shells and topped with shredded cheddar cheese, which is melted briefly under a broiler, delivering a gooey and warm topping. Optional toppings such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, onion, and sour cream can be added to customize the tacos.
White corn taco shells are suggested for an authentic texture, but yellow corn or even soft taco shells can be used according to preference. The simmering step requires careful attention to prevent clumping by adding more liquid if needed.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 85% lean
- ½ white onion , diced
- 2 cloves garlic , pressed or minced
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoons garlic salt
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 cups tomato juice
- ¼ cup cornmeal yellow
- 12 taco shells
- 2 cups cheddar cheese , shredded
Optional Toppings:
- lettuce sliced
- tomato chopped
- avocado
- onion
- sour cream
Instructions
- Add the ground beef to a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook until browned, about 10 minutes, breaking into small pieces as it browns.
- Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the beef is well browned and the onion is translucent.
- Add the cumin, chili powder, garlic salt, kosher salt, and black pepper and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring often.
- Stir in the tomato juice and cornmeal and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the juice has cooked down and the cornmeal softens, stirring occasionally. Add more tomato juice or water if the mixture clumps.
- Place the taco shells on a sheet pan or in a baking dish and spoon about ⅓ cup taco meat into each shell and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Broil in a toaster oven or oven until the cheese melts.
- Garnish the tacos with fixings and serve.
Notes
- White corn taco shells are recommended, but yellow corn or soft shells may be used as alternatives.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12tacos
Amount Per Serving
Calories 238 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1taco | |
| Calories | 238kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 45mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 569mg | 24% |
| Potassium | 280mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 475IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 7.9mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 163mg | 16% |
| Iron | 1.7mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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