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Old School Beef Taco Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 62 reviews

This Old School Beef Taco recipe delivers a classic, flavorful Tex-Mex experience with crispy taco shells, seasoned ground beef, and fresh, vibrant toppings. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for a family meal or casual gathering where everyone can customize their own tacos.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Tacos:

  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 500 g / 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup / 65 ml water

Homemade Taco Seasoning:

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp cumin powder
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Toppings:

  • 10 to 12 crispy taco shells (stand and stuff) or soft tortillas
  • Shredded cheese
  • Shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 red or white onion, chopped
  • Sour cream
  • Taco sauce (optional)
  • Coriander/cilantro
  • Jalapeño
  • Hot sauce / chili sauce
  • Pickled chillies
  • Salsa sauce
  • Pico de gallo

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180C/350F to prepare for optional baking of the tacos with cheese topping for added crispiness.
  2. Cook Aromatics: Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add minced garlic and finely chopped onion, cooking for about 2 minutes until golden and fragrant.
  3. Brown Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, cooking for about 2 minutes while breaking the meat apart, until it changes color from red to light brown.
  4. Add Seasonings: Stir in the homemade taco seasoning mix and continue cooking for 2 minutes to allow the beef to absorb the flavors fully.
  5. Incorporate Tomato Paste and Water: Add the tomato paste and water, cooking for about 1 minute or until the liquid evaporates, leaving the beef mixture juicy but not watery.
  6. Optional Bake: Arrange taco shells in a baking pan. Fill each shell with the seasoned beef mixture and top with shredded cheese. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes until cheese melts and shells are crispy.
  7. Serve: Serve the tacos hot, straight from the oven. Provide an array of fresh toppings and sauces for guests to assemble their own tacos to taste.

Notes

  • You can use either crispy taco shells or soft tortillas depending on your preference.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spice level or omit it for milder tacos.
  • Shredded cheese varieties such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work well.
  • For added flavor, consider warming the taco shells slightly before filling.
  • Serving the toppings and sauces separately allows for customizable tacos.

Keywords: beef tacos, old school tacos, ground beef taco, crispy taco shells, Mexican taco recipe

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/old-school-beef-taco-recipe/