Hard Shell Tacos Recipe

Taco night just got a whole lot better with these loaded beef tacos—my go-to for a fuss-free, flavor-packed feast that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance! 🌮✨

I enjoy crafting recipes that are both delightful and easy to throw together. When it comes to my hard shell tacos, the first thing that I make is the savory filling.

You can use lean beef, ground turkey, or even sausage (my brother’s favorite); whatever you go with, make sure to cook it with some onion and garlic (which, come on, are basically taco seasonings #1 and #2) and a little bit of taco seasoning to really make it pop. Once you’ve got that nice filling, you’ve got the shells and toppings to consider.

Hard Shell Tacos Recipe Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Rich in protein, provides a savory base.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, contains antioxidants.
• Garlic: Offers pungency and warmth, boosts immunity.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat, enhances flavors.
• Taco Seasoning: Balanced spices, adds zest and heat.
• Taco Shells: Crunchy texture, made from corn providing carbohydrates.
• Lettuce: Crisp, hydrating, low-calorie fiber source.
• Cheddar Cheese: Creamy texture, source of calcium and protein.
• Cilantro: Fresh herbal note, may aid digestion (optional).

Hard Shell Tacos Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade equivalent)
• 1/2 cup water
• 8 hard taco shells
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• 1 jalapeño, diced (optional)
• Salsa or hot sauce, to taste

How to Make this Hard Shell Tacos Recipe

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the onion, which should be finely chopped, and the garlic, which should be minced. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

2. Place ground beef in skillet. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until browned; no pink should remain.

3. Remove any excess fat from the skillet. Place the tortillas in the skillet and top with the taco seasoning mix and the cooked ground beef. Add 1/2 cup of water.

4. Lower the heat to low and let the beef mixture keep simmering for 5-7 minutes. Wait until the sauce has slightly thickened.

5. As the beef cooks, heat the hard taco shells as directed on the package. This almost always means baking them in the oven for a few minutes.

6. After the beef is prepared, start putting together the tacos. Put a couple of heaping tablespoons of the beef mixture into each taco shell.

7. Place the shredded lettuce on top of the beef. Next, add the diced tomatoes. Finally, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire dish.

8. If desired, add a dollop of sour cream to each taco.

9. If you wish, you can add even more flavor to the tacos by sprinkling them with some chopped fresh cilantro and a few diced jalapeños.

10. Immediately serve the tacos with salsa or hot sauce on the side for those who like it a little spicier. Enjoy!

Hard Shell Tacos Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet
2. Wooden spatula or spoon
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cup
7. Oven
8. Baking sheet

FAQ

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?Sure, you can use ground turkey as a substitute, and it’s a leaner option. But you should keep the cooking time the same.
• What if I don’t have taco seasoning mix?A blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt makes a flavorful Southwestern seasoning. You can use it to spice up a variety of dishes from across the region.
• How do I prevent the taco shells from breaking?Preheat the oven to 350°F before placing the taco shells into the warmth of an oven. Following the directions on your taco shell package, you are supposed to fill the shells. Do not skip this step! When you do not heat the taco shells, you are asking for them to crack. I did not crack one taco shell in the making of these tacos.
• Can I make this dish vegetarian?Sure, substitute ground beef for protein-rich black beans or lentils.
• How do I store leftovers?Keep the beef mixture, toppings, and shells in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Is there a dairy-free version?Yes, you can skip the cheese and sour cream or use dairy-free alternatives found in most stores.
• How spicy are these tacos?How spicy your taco is depends on the seasoning and the salsa, but you can control the real heat by adding or skipping the jalapeno.

Hard Shell Tacos Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for ground beef in a lighter version.
You can substitute olive oil with vegetable oil or canola oil.
You can make your own blend of spices to substitute for taco seasoning mix. Blend chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend can substitute shredded cheddar for a different taste.
Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream for a healthier alternative.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance the Flavor of the Beef: Before adding the taco seasoning mix, consider frying the ground beef until it’s nicely browned and caramelized. This will intensify the flavor. You could also add a teaspoon of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce during the browning process for an umami boost.