Taco Bell Tacos
Enjoy these homemade tacos featuring crispy fried shells filled with seasoned ground beef, melted Cheddar, and fresh lettuce. Perfect for casual dinners or gatherings, they offer a delightful crunch and savory flavors that appeal to all taco lovers seeking a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet.
- Add 2 teaspoons of salt, chili sauce, and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper to the beef.
- Simmer the beef mixture for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Combine flour, cornmeal, and 2 teaspoons of salt in a mixing bowl.
- Cut in shortening until the mixture resembles fine particles.
- Combine egg and water; sprinkle over the flour mixture while stirring with a fork until the dough holds together.
- If the dough is sticky, toss it onto a well-floured surface.
- Divide the dough into 12 portions.
- Roll each portion on a floured surface into a 6-inch circle.
- Fry each tortilla in hot deep fat at 375°F until golden brown, about 1 minute per side.
- Remove from fat and immediately fill each with 1 to 2 tablespoons of warm ground beef, cheese, and lettuce.
- Fold the filled tortilla in half to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more authentic flavor, consider adding spices like cumin and chili powder to the beef mixture. If you're short on time, pre-made tortillas can be a great substitute for homemade ones. For a healthier option, you can use ground turkey instead of beef. Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack, for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these tacos with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal. You can also offer a variety of toppings like diced tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa. These tacos pair beautifully with Mexican Cornbread With Ground Beef for a hearty feast. Consider making a fresh avocado salad to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the filled tacos in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. If you have extra tortillas, store them separately to maintain their crispiness when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Taco Bell Tacos contains roughly 452 calories, with 16g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value), calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 899mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the taco filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ground beef mixture a day in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warm, then assemble your tacos.
What can I do with leftover taco filling?
Leftover taco filling is versatile! Use it in a taco salad, mix it into nachos, or incorporate it into dishes like Taco Lasagna for a delicious twist. You can also freeze the filling for future meals, ensuring you have a quick option on hand.
How can I make these tacos spicier?
To add more heat, consider including diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture. You can also top the tacos with spicy salsa or add sliced fresh chili peppers. Adjust the amount of chili sauce in the filling to suit your spice preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).