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Crispy American Tacos

Crispy American Tacos

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I know most of us are very familiar with the Crispy American Tacos, especially if you were a child of the 70s.  I had our fair share of them growing up, and not until I went to Mexico in my twenties did I experience a real taco.  My friend Evelyn makes these Crispy American Tacos for her kids and they go crazy over them.  I remember the time, I was reintroduced while making dinner for MEM, and it was a pleasant surprise.  I was reminded of how much I enjoyed them, and even missed this crispy taco.  There is something wonderful about crispy taco shells stuffed with savory meat and melty cheese.

 

Crispy American Tacos | Chez Us

 

When we recently visited our said friends in Barcelona, it never crossed my mind to bring them crispy taco shells.  Then Max posted a photo on Instagram of him receiving crispy shells, and he mentioned that he hadn’t had them since moving to Spain.  I was immediately taken back to the old house, MEM, and making tacos for them.  I missed the fun we would all have cooking this recipe together in the kitchen.  What did I do?  I ran out, grabbed the ingredients and here we are.  Max, these crispy tacos, are for you, and if you were here I’d invite you over for dinner.

When we recently visited our said friends in Barcelona, it never crossed my mind to bring them crispy taco shells.  Then Max posted a photo on Instagram of him receiving crispy shells, and he mentioned that he hadn’t had them since moving to Spain.  I was immediately taken back to the old house, MEM, and making tacos for them.  I missed the fun we would all have cooking this recipe together in the kitchen.  What did I do?  I ran out, grabbed the ingredients and here we are.  Max, these crispy tacos are for you, and if you were here I’d invite you over for dinner.

I kept this recipe simple, by using ground beef, that I seasoned with taco seasoning that is soon to launch from Just Cook Food.  We are huge fans of their seasoning line and use them very often.  The curry is a big favorite around here!  Back to the taco seasoning, it was pretty awesome, to say the least.  It reminded me of a mild mole with the warmth of cinnamon and a hint of cocoa along with the traditional spices used in taco seasoning.   Not fiery hot, just flavorful.  Max, I think you will be a big fan of it.  Along with well-seasoned ground beef, I added some diced tomatoes to add some extra moisture while cooking.  The ground beef I used did not have a high-fat content, so there was no need to drain the meat before seasoning.  If your ground beef is fatty, be sure to drain off some of the fat before seasoning.

This is a great weeknight meal, as Crispy American Tacos are super easy to make, even the kids can help.  Just whip up the ground beef, warm the crispy shells and then garnish with loads of grated cheddar cheese, lettuce and a little tomato.  Or as Max likes his Crispy American Tacos, with three dots of ketchup on the meat before adding the cheese.

 

Yield: 4 - 6 servings

Crispy American Tacos

Crispy American Tacos | Chez Us

While tacos are techinically Mexican, in Mexico they do not serve crispy taco shells with their tacos. There are Crispy American Tacos which feels like childhood comfort food.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes with juices (from a can)
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • kosher salt to taste
  • crispy taco shells
  • shredded lettuce
  • diced tomatoes
  • grated cheddar cheese

Instructions

    Crumble the ground beef into a large frying pan.  Over medium-low heat cook for 5 minutes, stirring every so often.

    Add the diced tomatoes and the taco seasoning.  Continue cooking over medium-low heat until cooked, about 5 - 8 minutes.

    Remove from the heat, season with salt, and set aside.

    Preheat the crispy taco shells, according to the package directions.

    While the meat is cooking and the shells are heating, grate the cheese, shred the lettuce and dice the tomatoes, and place into small serving bowls.

    To serve, place some meat into the taco shell, cover with cheese, lettuce, and tomato.

    Serve.

    Eat.

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Maria | Pink Patisserie

Friday 2nd of May 2014

I can never get enough crispy taco shells. My boys still ask for them weekly, and my husband is particularly partial. And only shredded ice berg lettuce will do for him. Something's are never meant to be replaced… Love your version Denise!!

kita

Thursday 1st of May 2014

No lie, I am a HUGE fan of a crispy taco. It's like my go to happy place. I don't think I had real tacos until much later either...but I do sneak me a kit or two home when I need a quick go to. I am totally going to have to try these from scratch!

Matt Robinson

Tuesday 29th of April 2014

I basically grew up on these as well, and my sons would love these. Especially with the seasoning. Can't wait to try them, especially on a warm summer night. Thanks!

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