Old School Beef Tacos are a classic dish loved by many. They bring back memories of family dinners and casual gatherings with friends. With their crispy shells and flavorful fillings, these tacos are sure to please everyone at your table. This recipe is not only easy to make but also allows you to customize the toppings to your taste, making it a fun meal for any occasion.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Old School Beef Tacos is a great way to enjoy a comforting and delicious meal. They are quick to prepare and can feed a crowd without breaking the bank. Plus, you can use fresh ingredients to create a wholesome dish. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together, these tacos are always a hit.
How to Make Old School Beef Tacos
Ingredients:
- 10 to 12 crispy taco shells (stand and stuff) OR soft tortillas of choice (Note 1)
- 1 tbsp oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 500 g / 1 lb beef, ground / mince (Note 2)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup / 65ml water
- 1 tsp EACH garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano
- 2 tsp EACH cumin powder, paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust spiciness to taste, can skip)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Shredded cheese (Note 3)
- Shredded iceberg lettuce
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 red or white onion, chopped
- Sour cream
- Taco sauce (optional)
- Other: coriander/cilantro, jalapeño, hot sauce / chili sauce, pickled chillies, salsa sauce, pico de gallo
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 180C/350F.
- Beef Filling: Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until they become soft. Next, add the ground beef and cook until brown. Mix in the tomato paste and water, followed by all the spices (garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper). Stir everything well and let it cook for a few more minutes until heated through.
- Bake (optional): If you prefer a crispier taco shell, you can place the taco shells in the oven for a few minutes to warm and crisp them up.
- Serve: Fill each taco shell with the beef mixture and top with shredded cheese, lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and onion. Add sour cream and taco sauce if desired.
How to Serve Old School Beef Tacos
Serve Old School Beef Tacos on a platter, allowing everyone to customize their own. Place all the toppings in separate bowls, so guests can pick and choose what they want on their tacos. This makes the meal interactive and fun!
How to Store Old School Beef Tacos
If you have leftover filling, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving again. For taco shells, it’s best to store them in a cool, dry place and consume them within a week for optimal freshness.
Tips to Make Old School Beef Tacos
- Gear up with fresh vegetables and garnishes to give your tacos extra flavor and crunch.
- For added spiciness, don’t hesitate to include jalapeños or hot sauce.
- If you want to save time, you can make the beef filling ahead of time and heat it up when ready to serve.
Variation
You can easily switch up this recipe by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with black beans or lentils, and add more veggies like corn or bell peppers.
FAQs
1. Can I make Old School Beef Tacos ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just heat it up when you’re ready to serve.
2. What toppings are best for these tacos?
Traditional toppings include shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Feel free to get creative with avocado, salsa, or even guacamole!
3. How do I make my taco shells crispy?
To crisp your taco shells, simply bake them in the oven for a few minutes until golden brown. This enhances the flavor and texture of your tacos.
Old School Beef Tacos
Ingredients
Taco Shells
- 10 to 12 pieces crispy taco shells or soft tortillas of choice Use crispy taco shells for easy filling.
Beef Filling
- 1 tbsp oil For cooking the filling.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced To add flavor to the filling.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped Adds sweetness and texture.
- 500 g beef, ground/minced Main protein for the tacos.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste Adds acidity and depth of flavor.
- ¼ cup water To adjust consistency.
- 1 tsp garlic powder Optional for extra flavor.
- 1 tsp onion powder Optional for extra flavor.
- 1 tsp dried oregano Adds herbal notes.
- 2 tsp cumin powder Brings warmth and earthiness.
- 2 tsp paprika Adds color and a mild flavor.
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper Adjust spiciness to taste.
- 1 tsp salt To taste.
- ¼ tsp black pepper To taste.
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheese For topping.
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce For added crunch.
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped Fresh topping.
- ½ medium red or white onion, chopped Adds sharpness.
- 1 cup sour cream Optional topping.
- to taste taco sauce Optional.
- to taste coriander/cilantro, jalapeño, hot sauce, pickled chillies, salsa sauce, pico de gallo Additional toppings for customization.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 180C/350F.
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until they become soft.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Mix in the tomato paste and water, followed by all the spices (garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper). Stir well and let it cook for a few more minutes until heated through.
Baking (optional)
- If you prefer a crispier taco shell, place the taco shells in the oven for a few minutes to warm and crisp them up.
Serving
- Fill each taco shell with the beef mixture and top with shredded cheese, lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and onion.
- Add sour cream and taco sauce if desired.
