Crunchy shells with seasoned beef, fresh lettuce, cheese, and zesty salsa for a casual dinner.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
03 - 1 medium tomato, diced
04 - 1 small red onion, finely diced (optional)
→ Seasonings
05 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
10 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Other
13 - 8 crunchy taco shells
14 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
15 - 1/2 cup prepared salsa
16 - 1/4 cup water
17 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and fully cooked, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat as desired.
02 - Add chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper to the beef. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat.
03 - Pour in water and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes to meld flavors and slightly reduce liquid. Remove skillet from heat.
04 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange taco shells on a baking sheet and heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or according to package instructions, until crisp and warm.
05 - Fill each warmed shell with the seasoned beef. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, diced onion if using, shredded cheddar cheese, and a spoonful of salsa.
06 - Serve immediately to enjoy crisp shells and fresh toppings.
