Ingredients
- Ground Beef (lean): 1 pound
- Hard Taco Shells: 12 count
- Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend: 2 cups
- Taco Seasoning Mix: 1 standard packet (1 oz)
- Water: 1/2 cup
- Diced Yellow Onion: 1/2 cup
- Olive Oil (or vegetable oil): 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat with a spoon, and cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease.
- Step 2: Stir the taco seasoning mix and 1/2 cup of water into the ground beef. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes until the liquid has mostly absorbed and the meat is thoroughly coated with the seasoning. Remove from heat.
- Step 3: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper (optional). Arrange the hard taco shells upright on the baking sheet, leaning them against one another or using a specialized taco rack to keep them open.
- Step 4: Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly into the bottom of each taco shell. Generously top the meat in each shell with 2-3 tablespoons of the shredded cheese blend.
- Step 5: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and the taco shells are noticeably crispy. Carefully remove the sheet from the oven and serve immediately with your choice of fresh toppings.
Notes
- A key chef's tip is to ensure your ground beef filling is thoroughly drained and the liquid has fully absorbed the seasoning before filling the shells, which prevents steaming and guarantees a crispy taco base.
- For best results, reheat leftover baked tacos in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or quickly crisp them in an air fryer; avoid the microwave to prevent the shells from becoming soggy.
- Balance the richness of the melted cheese and seasoned beef by serving these tacos loaded with fresh pico de gallo, a dollop of cooling sour cream, and a bright squeeze of lime juice.
- If you anticipate leftovers, store any unbaked filling separately from the hard taco shells in airtight containers to maximize freshness and maintain shell crispness later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American