Easy Tacos

Taco night stays in the weeknight rotation for good reason: it is fast, cheap, and everyone gets to build their own. This version keeps it classic, with seasoned ground beef, crisp shells, cool lettuce, and a drizzle of taco sauce.

Browning the beef with onion is step one, and draining off the fat afterward is the step you should not skip. Pouring off that grease keeps the filling rich instead of greasy and stops it from turning your shells soggy.

Stirring in the taco seasoning and letting it cook for a couple of minutes is what blends the spices into the meat, so every bite is seasoned through rather than dusted on top.

The fillings are the fun. Set out lettuce, cheese, salsa, and sauce and let everyone pile their own, which keeps picky eaters happy and dinner low-stress.

The whole thing comes together in about ten minutes, which is why it is the answer on so many busy nights.

Chef Tips

• Drain the browned beef well so the filling stays rich and the shells stay crisp.
• Add a splash of water with the seasoning and simmer until it clings to the meat.
• Warm the shells briefly so they are crisp and less likely to crack when filled.
• Skip the packet and use homemade taco seasoning to control the salt and heat.

Variations

• Swap the beef for ground turkey, chicken, or seasoned black beans.
• Use soft flour tortillas or lettuce cups in place of crisp shells.
• Load up with avocado, sour cream, pico de gallo, or pickled jalapenos.