Nacho Tacos

Nacho Tacos offer a fun twist on traditional tacos with a hearty and flavorful ground beef mixture. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe combines seasoned beef with your choice of toppings, all nestled in crispy or soft taco shells.

The customizable nature of these tacos allows you to tailor them to your taste, whether you prefer classic toppings like cheese and lettuce or more adventurous options. Enjoy the crunch, spice, and savory goodness in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Bold Flavors: The beef mixture is seasoned with a perfect blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and onion, creating a savory, aromatic base that pairs beautifully with the fresh toppings.

Versatility: The toppings are entirely up to you! From crisp lettuce and tangy lime wedges to the creamy richness of sour cream and melted cheese, each taco can be tailored to your tastes.

Crunch & Softness: You get the best of both worlds with your choice of taco shells—whether you prefer the crunch of hard shells or the softness of flour or corn tortillas, you can enjoy the texture contrast between the taco shell and the tender beef mixture.

Family-Friendly: This recipe is simple to make and perfect for families or gatherings, where everyone can assemble their tacos exactly how they like. Kids and adults alike will have fun building their own personalized creations.

Satisfying & Filling: The combination of seasoned beef, cheese, and fresh toppings creates a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and delicious without being overly heavy.

Make-Ahead Convenience: The beef mixture can be prepared in advance, making it an easy meal to whip up on busy nights or even for meal prepping.

Crispy Cheese Option: The optional crisping step in the oven or air fryer melts the cheese and gives the tacos a satisfying crisp texture, elevating the taco experience to new heights.

Key Ingredients:

Ground Beef: The hearty base of the tacos, seasoned with aromatic spices.

Chili Powder & Cumin: For a bold, smoky flavor with a touch of heat.

Crushed Tomatoes: Adds a rich, saucy element to the beef mixture.

Taco Shells or Tortillas: Choose between crunchy taco shells or soft tortillas for the perfect vessel.

Cheese: Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or Cotija for creamy, melty goodness.

Lettuce: Fresh, crisp lettuce for a cool, crunchy contrast.

Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A creamy topping to balance out the spices.

Lime Wedges: Adds a refreshing citrus zing to each bite.

Nacho Tacos

Ingredients:

Ground Beef Mixture:

16 oz ground beef (preferably 80-95% lean; you can substitute with ground chicken or turkey)

1/4 cup vegetable oil or any neutral oil

1/2 tablespoon chili powder (adjust to your taste)

1/2 teaspoon cumin powder

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup crushed tomato or tomato passata

Other Taco Ingredients (Optional Toppings):

12 taco shells (choose between hard shells, soft corn tortillas, or flour tortillas)
Shredded lettuce (Iceberg or Romaine)

Lime wedges

Homemade salsa (thick and chunky or Pico de Gallo, or jarred salsa)

Sour cream or Greek yogurt

Cheese (Monterey Jack, Tex-Mex blend, Cheddar, or Cotija)

Instructions:

Prepare the Seasoning:

Combine the chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Cook the Beef:

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking it up into small crumbles until it is browned. Drain any excess fat.

Add Seasonings and Tomatoes:

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the seasoning mix and crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata). Mix well and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Prepare the Toppings:

While the beef simmers, get your toppings ready. Wash and shred the lettuce, slice the lime, and grate the cheese.

Heat the Tortillas:

Optionally, warm the tortillas. Heat them in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds on each side, or briefly over an open flame for a slight char and smoky flavor. Alternatively, wrap them in foil and heat in the oven at 350ºF (175ºC) for 10-15 minutes.

Assemble the Tacos:

Fill each tortilla or taco shell with the beef mixture. Add your preferred toppings and serve.

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Optional Crisping:

To melt the cheese and crisp up the taco shells, place the filled tacos (with just meat and cheese) in the oven at 350ºF (175ºC) for about 5 minutes. You can also use an Air Fryer at 350ºF (175ºC) for a few minutes.

Storage Instructions:

Make Ahead: Prepare and refrigerate the cooked beef for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Shred the lettuce a day ahead and store in a paper-towel-lined airtight container.

Store: Consume assembled tacos promptly to avoid sogginess. Store leftover fillings in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freeze: Freeze cooked beef in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a bit of beef or chicken broth if needed.

Notes:

Lean Beef: Opt for 80-95% lean ground beef for a good balance of flavor and fat. Ground chicken or turkey can be used as alternatives for a leaner option.

Seasoning Adjustments: Adjust the chili powder and other spices to suit your taste preferences. If you like it spicier, you can add extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Tomato Options: Crushed tomatoes or tomato passata can be used interchangeably. Crushed tomatoes provide a chunkier texture, while passata offers a smoother consistency.

Topping Variations: Feel free to experiment with different toppings like jalapeños, sliced olives, or diced onions. Customizing toppings allows for a personalized taco experience.

Tortilla Choices: Both hard taco shells and soft tortillas work well. If using soft tortillas, consider lightly heating them to make them more pliable.

Heating Tortillas: If you prefer crispy tortillas, you can heat them in the oven or use an air fryer. This step can enhance the flavor and texture of the tacos.

Make-Ahead Option: The ground beef mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Fresh toppings like shredded lettuce can also be prepped a day ahead.

Storage: Assemble tacos just before serving to avoid sogginess. Store leftover fillings separately and keep in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: Cooked ground beef can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving. Adding a bit of broth or tomato sauce can help maintain moisture.

Serving: Serve the tacos with a variety of toppings to let everyone customize their own. Popular options include sour cream, salsa, cheese, and lime wedges.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 12 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef.

They will have a slightly different flavor and texture but will work well in the recipe.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ground beef mixture ahead of time.

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

How do I prevent the taco shells from getting soggy?

To avoid soggy taco shells, serve the filling immediately after cooking and add the toppings just before eating.

If you have leftover tacos, store the filling and shells separately.

Can I use homemade taco seasoning?

Absolutely! Feel free to use homemade taco seasoning instead of pre-made packets.

Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.

How do I make these tacos gluten-free?

Use gluten-free taco shells or corn tortillas.

Ensure that all other ingredients, like taco seasoning, are gluten-free.

Can I add additional vegetables to the ground beef mixture?

Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or corn to the ground beef mixture.

Cook them with the beef for added flavor and texture.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add heat, you can increase the amount of chili powder, add a diced jalapeño or hot sauce to the beef mixture, or top the tacos with spicy salsa.

What type of cheese is best for nacho tacos?

Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Tex-Mex blend, or Cotija cheese are great options.

Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the taco flavors.

Can I use soft tortillas instead of taco shells?

Yes, you can use soft corn or flour tortillas instead of hard taco shells.

Heat them lightly before filling to make them more pliable.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover taco filling and shells separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Reheat the filling in a skillet or microwave, and crisp up the shells in the oven or air fryer if needed before serving.