Crispy shell, hot cheesy filling, a little crunch from the lettuce — that first bite is dangerous because you pretty much want three more. I brown the minced meat with onion and garlic, then hit it with smoked paprika, cumin, and a little oregano. Let it simmer till it’s glossy and smells like “where’s the rest of the tortillas?”. I warm the shells (two minutes in the oven so they’re extra snappy), spoon in the meat, and bury it under a handful of shredded cheese so it melts right in.
Toppings are the fun part: diced tomatoes, crisp lettuce, a spoon of sour cream, and a stripe of hot sauce if you like a kick. Everyone builds their own and, honestly, that’s half the charm — messy plates, big smiles. Little move I love: mix a tiny bit of cheese into the meat before filling so it clings together, then add more on top. Trust me, it hits different.
For the taco filling
For serving
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8
hard taco shells
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150 g
shredded cheddar cheese
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fresh lettuce, shredded
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diced fresh tomatoes
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sour cream
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hot sauce (optional)
Author
Mario Kapustic
Hi! I’m Mario from Croatia. I love cooking and sharing recipes that combine tradition with creativity. I started Tasty Empire to share my family’s recipes — the ones from Mom and Grandma — and all the little tricks I’ve picked up along the way. I especially enjoy pasta, risottos, homemade breads, and desserts, always looking for little ways to enrich flavors.
Prepare the filling
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Sauté aromatics
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened, then stir in minced garlic.
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Cook the meat
Add minced beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned all over.
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Season
Sprinkle in paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for another 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
Assemble tacos
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Fill shells
Warm taco shells according to package instructions. Fill each with the seasoned meat and top with shredded cheese so it melts into the hot filling.
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Add toppings
Finish with lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and hot sauce if desired. Serve immediately.
Note: You can swap minced beef for chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian alternative for variety.
Updated: August 30, 2025