5 from 90 votes
Taco Bell Crunchy Tacos
Taco Bell Crunchy Tacos recreate the fast-food classic with spiced ground chuck cooked with a mixture of dry seasonings including chili powder, masa harina, and garlic salt. The beef filling is simmered to concentration and served in crispy taco shells topped with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, and optional sour cream. The branded masa harina adds a distinctive texture and flavor to the seasoned meat.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings:
12
Calories:
236 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Mexican
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.
Cup of Yum
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
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 12 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 236
% 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.