Description
Experience the joy of crispy beef shells filled with savory ingredients in this delightful taco recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, these tacos are quick to prepare and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cornmeal (for dusting)
- Oil (for frying)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix until just combined — avoid over-mixing to keep the beef tender.
- Preheat your Blackstone griddle over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. You want it hot enough to sear the beef but not so hot that it burns. A drop of water should sizzle on contact.
- Divide the beef mixture into four equal portions and form them into balls. Place each ball on the griddle and press down with a spatula to create a flat, thin patty. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the edges are browned and crispy.
- Carefully flip the patties and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Look for a deep brown crust on the bottom for optimal flavor. Avoid flipping too soon, or the patties may fall apart.
- Once cooked, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of each patty. Close the lid or cover with a large metal bowl for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese thoroughly.
- While the cheese melts, prepare your taco shells by sprinkling cornmeal on a clean plate. Carefully transfer the crispy beef patties onto the plate, allowing excess grease to drain. The cornmeal will help add an extra crunch to the shells.
- Assemble the tacos by placing shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, sour cream, salsa, and chopped cilantro into each beef shell. For those who enjoy a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeño on top.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for a fresh zest. Squeeze the lime over the tacos just before eating to enhance the flavors!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Ensure your Blackstone griddle is well-preheated to achieve that perfect crust on the beef patties. Use a high-smoke-point oil, like canola or avocado oil, for frying the taco shells. Experiment with toppings to keep things exciting!