taco bell taco recipe

taco bell taco recipe

The Best taco bell taco recipe

I’ve been making Taco Bell’s tacos at home for years, and they’re always a hit with my family. The recipe is incredibly easy to follow, and the result is a delicious, crispy taco that’s just like the ones you’d get at the restaurant. The key to making these tacos is in the technique – you need to cook the beef in a specific way to get it just right.

I like to use a combination of ground beef and seasonings to give it a rich, savory flavor. My kids love helping me make these tacos, and they’re always excited to see the finished product. We like to serve them with all the fixings, including shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese.

It’s a meal that’s perfect for any occasion – whether we’re looking for a quick dinner or want to feed a crowd of guests. And the best part? It’s healthier than you might think – by using lean ground beef and limiting the amount of cheese and sour cream we use, we can make these tacos a relatively guilt-free option.

Plus, they’re so easy to customize with your favorite toppings that everyone can find something they love. We’ve even started experimenting with different types of meat and fillings to mix things up – but the classic recipe remains our favorite by far. My husband loves how versatile these tacos are – he can put them in his lunchbox for work or take them on the go for a quick snack.

And let’s be real – who doesn’t love the smell of sizzling meat wafting from the kitchen? It’s one of those smells that instantly makes you feel like everything is okay in the world. I’m so glad I stumbled upon this recipe all those years ago – it’s become a staple in our household that we never get tired of.

Taco Bell Style Tacos

Taco Bell Style Tacos

4.8 from 1755 votes

Recreate the classic fast food taco at home with seasoned ground beef, crunchy taco shells, and fresh toppings. This recipe delivers the signature flavor with a simple blend of spices and a quick cooking method.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Beef

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Tacos

8 crunchy taco shells
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup taco sauce

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until hot.
2Add the ground beef and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink.
3In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, cayenne pepper, and cornstarch.
4Sprinkle the spice mixture over the cooked beef and stir well to coat evenly.
5Pour 1/2 cup of water into the skillet and stir to combine.
6Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef.
7Warm the taco shells according to package directions, usually in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes, until crisp and lightly golden.
8Fill each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the seasoned beef.
9Top each taco with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a drizzle of taco sauce.
10Serve immediately while the shells are still crunchy.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Wooden spoon
Measuring spoons
Small bowl
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 650mg🌾Total Carbs: 22g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 24g

📝Notes

For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. To keep the taco shells crisp, fill them just before serving.

Watch Video Of How Taco Bell Style Tacos Works

This Taco Bell taco recipe is always a good idea for any occasion. It works well for family gatherings because everyone can customize their own taco.

I make it for game days, birthday parties, or just a fun dinner at home. Leftover meat stores well in the fridge for up to three days.

To reheat, just warm it in a skillet with a little water. You can also use the meat for taco salads, nachos, or burritos.

Serve these tacos with rice and beans for a full meal. My family always asks for seconds, and I am happy to oblige.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Taco Bell Style Tacos

1. What makes Taco Bell taco meat taste different from regular taco meat?

The difference is in the seasoning blend and the cooking method. Taco Bell uses a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a little sugar. They also add water to the meat while cooking, which helps the seasoning coat the beef evenly and creates a softer texture.

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

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken. The seasoning works well with any ground meat. Just make sure to cook it through and add the water as directed. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor will still be close to the original.

3. How do I get the crunchy taco shells like Taco Bell?

Use store bought crunchy corn taco shells. To get them extra crispy, heat them in a 350 degree oven for about 5 minutes before filling. This makes them warm and crunchy, just like the ones at the restaurant.

4. What toppings do I need for an authentic Taco Bell taco?

You need shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Taco Bell also uses a special sauce, but you can use a store bought taco sauce or make a simple one with mayo, hot sauce, and a little paprika.

5. Can I make the taco meat ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the seasoned beef up to three days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it in a skillet with a splash of water to bring back the moisture. It tastes just as good when reheated.

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