How To Make Tacos!!! Crispy Beef Taco Recipe
How To Make Tacos!!! Crispy Beef Taco Recipe is a medium Tex-Mex recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Hilah Cooking on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min
Cost: $12.22 total, $3.06 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 large Yellow Onion (peeled and finely diced)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds (whole seeds; can use ground cumin instead)
- 2 teaspoons Ancho Chili Powder (or any mild chili powder)
- 1 Jalapeño Pepper (seeded and minced; keep seeds for extra heat)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Chili Flakes (optional for extra heat)
- 1 pound Ground Beef (90% lean)
- 1/2 cup Water (helps break beef into fine crumbles; can substitute beer or broth)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste (adds color and depth; tomato sauce can be used instead)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (crumble before adding)
- 8 Corn Tortillas (small taco size, 6‑inch diameter)
- 1 spray Non‑Stick Cooking Spray (or brush with a thin layer of oil)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or any meltable cheese)
- 1 cup Shredded Cabbage (can substitute lettuce)
- 1/2 cup Green Salsa (store‑bought or homemade)
Instructions
Sauté Onion
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil, then add the diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Toast Spices
Add the cumin seeds, ancho chili powder, minced jalapeño, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant and lightly toasted.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium
Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with the spoon. Cook, stirring, until the meat loses its raw pink color, about 5‑7 minutes.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: medium
Add Water for Fine Crumbles
Pour in ½ cup water (or beer/broth) and continue to stir. The liquid helps break the meat into super‑fine crumbles and keeps it moist.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Season and Simmer
Stir in the salt and tomato paste. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: low
Add Oregano and Reduce Liquid
Sprinkle the dried oregano over the meat, crumble it with the spoon, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: low
Prepare Tortilla Shells
Lay the corn tortillas on a microwave‑safe plate, sprinkle each with a few drops of water, and microwave for 30 seconds to steam and soften.
Time: PT30S
Oil and Bake Tortillas
Arrange the softened tortillas on a baking sheet, spray lightly with non‑stick cooking spray (or brush with oil), and place them on the oven rack bars. Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 9 minutes.
Time: PT9M
Temperature: 425°F
Cool and Finish Crispy Shells
Turn off the oven, leave the tortillas inside to cool on the rack for about 5 minutes. This residual heat finishes the crisp without over‑browning.
Time: PT5M
Assemble Tacos
Fill each crispy shell with a generous spoonful of the seasoned beef, then top with shredded cheese, shredded cabbage, and a drizzle of green salsa.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, High‑Protein, Low‑Fat
Allergens: Dairy, Corn
Last updated: April 15, 2026








