Taco Bell Crunchy Tacos
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
12
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Calories
236 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Taco Bell Crunchy Tacos
Description
This recipe produces crunchy tacos by seasoning ground chuck with a blend of spices like chili powder, onion and garlic powders, paprika, cumin, and masa harina—a key ingredient that imparts a signature corn flavor and thickens the meat mixture subtly. The beef is browned, drained of grease, then combined with the spice mix and water before simmering to reduce moisture and develop a thick, flavorful filling. Crispy taco shells, optionally refreshed in the oven for crispness, hold the meat mixture and are garnished with shredded iceberg lettuce, shredded cheddar, diced Roma tomatoes, and sour cream if desired.
The texture contrast between the seasoned, tender beef and the crunchy shells, along with the fresh toppings, gives a balanced taco experience reminiscent of Taco Bell. The recipe encourages not overfilling to maintain the ideal bite ratio. The masa harina is important for authentic taste, with corn flour as a second option though slightly different in flavor.
Practical tips include heating taco shells before assembling to avoid sogginess and draining the cooked beef well before seasoning to prevent watery filling.
Ingredients
Beef Filling
- 1 1/2 tablespoon masa harina
- 4 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon onion dried minced
- 1/2 teaspoon beef bouillon powder
- 1 1/3 pounds ground chuck
Shells and Toppings
- 12 taco shells
- 1/2 iceberg lettuce shredded, head
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 Roma tomato diced
- sour cream optional
Instructions
Beef Filling
- In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients except the meat, and mix well.
- Crumble the ground beef into a large skillet (preferably nonstick) and brown, stirring well.
- Remove from the heat. Drain excess grease from the meat.
- Stir in the spice mix and 3/4 to 1 cup water.
- Simmer on medium-low heat for 20 minutes, until most of the moisture has cooked away. Remove from heat before the meat is completely dry.
Tacos
- If you like, you can refresh the taco shells in the oven at 350°F for 7 to 10 minutes.
- To assemble the tacos, spoon a few tablespoons of the meat into each taco shell.
- Top with lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and sour cream, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Heat taco shells at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to enhance crispness and prevent sogginess.
- Drain browned beef in a colander and rest 2-3 minutes to reduce moisture before adding spices.
- Combine spices thoroughly before adding to ensure even seasoning distribution.
- Masa harina is essential for authentic texture and flavor; use corn flour as a substitute if needed.
- Avoid overfilling tacos to maintain balanced bites without mess.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 236 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 236kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 45mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 352mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 247mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 555IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 2.1mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 98mg | 10% |
| Iron | 1.6mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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