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A close-up shot of several hard-shell ground beef tacos packed with fresh toppings like lettuce and tomatoes.

Loaded Tacos: The Ultimate Recipe for a Perfect Taco Night

Discover how to make the best Loaded Tacos with perfectly seasoned ground beef, fresh toppings, and crispy shells. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for a fun family dinner or a crowd-pleasing taco night.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Taco Meat
  • 1 lb lean ground beef 85/15 or 90/10
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.25 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 cup beef broth or water
For Assembly and Toppings
  • 12 hard taco shells
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • Salsa and Guacamole to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet
  • Serving bowls

Method
 

  1. Prepare all your toppings. Wash and chop the lettuce and tomatoes, shred the cheese, and place all toppings into separate serving bowls.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it's fully browned. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
  3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds until the spices are fragrant.
  4. Pour in the beef broth or water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until the liquid has reduced and the meat is well-coated.
  5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the taco shells on the oven rack, open-side down, and bake for 3-5 minutes until warmed and crisp.
  6. Set out the warm taco meat, shells, and bowls of toppings. Let everyone build their own loaded tacos and enjoy immediately.

Notes

Tip 1: For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the meat along with the spices.
Tip 2: Don't be afraid to get creative with toppings! Pickled onions, jalapeños, or a squeeze of fresh lime can add a bright, acidic kick.