Quick and easy soft shell tacos made with seasoned ground beef, warm tortillas, and all your favorite toppings. Perfect for Taco Tuesday!
Do you ever have those days where nothing goes as planned, and dinner feels like an afterthought? For me, that’s when these soft shell tacos swoop in and save the day. I can’t count the number of times they’ve turned a chaotic evening into something fun and memorable.
The first time I made these, I was fresh out of ideas and staring at a lonely pack of tortillas in the fridge. The pantry wasn’t offering much hope either—a can of tomatoes, some spices, and ground beef. But then it hit me: taco night! I whipped these up, and suddenly, it felt like a celebration, even though I was in my sweatpants and the kids were arguing about toppings.
Now, they’re a go-to in our house. Everyone gets excited when they hear it’s taco night, and I love that I can set up a mini taco bar with toppings galore. There’s something about letting everyone customize their own that feels a little like magic.
Why You’ll Love This Soft Shell Tacos Recipe?
- Speedy Prep: Done in 15 minutes—because who has time for anything longer on a weeknight?
- Customizable Fun: Whether you’re a cheese overload type or all about the guac, these tacos have your back.
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist building their own taco masterpiece.
- Budget-Friendly: Pantry staples like ground beef and spices mean you’re not breaking the bank.
- Perfect for Leftovers: The meat tastes even better the next day, so make a little extra!
Ingredient Notes:
Here’s why each ingredient makes these tacos shine:
- Ground Beef: The foundation of any classic taco. Use lean beef for less grease, or swap it for turkey or black beans for a twist.
- Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas are my personal favorite, but corn tortillas or even lettuce wraps work great too.
- Homemade Taco Seasoning: No mystery packets here—this blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and more is fresh and flavorful.
- Olive Oil: A little goes a long way in browning the beef evenly.
- Toppings: Cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream are classics, but don’t be afraid to get creative with pickled onions or jalapeños!
How To Make Soft Shell Tacos?
These tacos come together faster than you can say “extra guac.” Here’s how:
Step 1. Cook the Beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding a drizzle of olive oil. Toss in the ground beef and use a spoon to break it into crumbles as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain any excess grease to keep things light.
Step 2. Season Like a Pro
While the beef is browning, mix up your taco seasoning. Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning over the cooked beef, then add a splash of water. Stir it all together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This step is where the magic happens—the meat absorbs all those amazing flavors!
Step 3. Warm the Tortillas
Don’t skip this step—it’s a game-changer. Heat your tortillas on a comal, over an open flame, or in the oven wrapped in foil. Warm tortillas are softer, tastier, and just plain better.
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Step 4. Assemble and Enjoy
Load each tortilla with a scoop of seasoned beef and top with your favorite fixings. Cheese, salsa, guac—you really can’t go wrong here.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store leftover taco meat in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to dive back in.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked taco meat for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat and serve.
Variations and Substitutions:
These tacos are endlessly adaptable. Here’s how you can make them your own:
- Protein Swaps: Ground turkey, chicken, or even shrimp are great alternatives to beef.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne or some diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Low-Carb Options: Use lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas for a lighter version.
- Cheese Lovers: Experiment with different cheeses like queso fresco or pepper jack.
- Vegan Version: Use crumbled tofu or lentils and skip the cheese.
What to Serve with Soft Shell Tacos?
No taco night is complete without some tasty sides. Here are my favorites:
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy and flavorful, it’s the perfect pairing.
- Guac and Chips: Because guac makes everything better.
- Refried Beans: Creamy and satisfying.
- Elote: Grilled corn with cheese, spices, and lime—it’s a must-try.
- Margaritas: Need I say more?
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely! Cook the meat in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat and serve when you’re ready.
What’s the best way to warm tortillas?
I love using a comal or skillet, but you can also heat them in the oven wrapped in foil.
How can I make them spicier?
Add a splash of hot sauce or some crushed red pepper to the meat. Or top your tacos with spicy salsa!
There you have it—soft shell tacos that are as easy as they are delicious. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a full-blown Taco Tuesday fiesta, these are guaranteed to be a hit. So, what toppings are you going to try first? Let me know—I can’t wait to hear about your taco creations!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Soft Shell Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 tortillas
For the Homemade Taco Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Prepare the Ground Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once heated, place the ground beef into the skillet and cook until it browns thoroughly, breaking it apart into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the skillet before returning it to the stove.
Create the Taco Seasoning:
- While the beef cooks, mix the chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Season the Beef:
- Once the ground beef is browned, sprinkle the prepared taco seasoning over it. Add a small amount of water (approximately ¼ cup) to the skillet, stirring to combine the seasoning with the meat. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld together.
Warm the Tortillas:
- Heat the tortillas using your preferred method. Warm them individually over a flame for a slight char, heat them on a comal or skillet, or wrap them in foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F.
Assemble the Tacos:
- Divide the seasoned beef into portions and fill each tortilla. Add your desired toppings, such as shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, or sour cream.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
