Best 4 Old School Beef Tacos Recipes

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In the realm of culinary delights, few dishes evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort like old-school beef tacos. These tacos, rooted in traditional Mexican cuisine, have become a beloved staple in kitchens and restaurants worldwide. Their simplicity, yet bursting with flavor, makes them a perfect choice for casual gatherings, family dinners, or quick weeknight meals. Embark on a culinary journey as we explore the secrets behind crafting the ultimate old-school beef tacos, a recipe that will transport you back to the days of authentic Mexican flavors.

Let's cook with our recipes!

BEEF TACOS



Beef Tacos image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 45m

Yield 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 yellow onion, diced
2 pounds ground beef
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
20 fajita-sized flour tortillas
18 hard taco shells
1 pound Cheddar-Jack cheese, grated
15 Roma tomatoes, diced
1 head green leaf lettuce, shredded

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
  • For the beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and onions. Cook until starting to soften, then add the ground beef. Cook the meat until it's totally browned, then drain the fat. Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper and crushed red pepper and stir to combine. Add 1/2 cup hot water and stir. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
  • For the fixins: Meanwhile, wrap the flour tortillas in foil and warm in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Right before serving, crisp the taco shells in the oven according to package instructions.
  • Serve with the grated cheese, diced tomatoes and shredded lettuce.

BAKED BEEF TACOS



Baked Beef Tacos image

This taco recipe takes classic taco ingredients and gives them a fresh approach by baking the shells upright in refried beans and tomatoes. The bottom gets soft, and the top stays crisp and crunchy. -Patricia Stagich, Elizabeth, New Jersey

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 35m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 envelope taco seasoning
2 cans (10 ounces each) diced tomatoes and green chiles, divided
1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, optional
12 taco shells
Chopped green onions

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425°. In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until no longer pink, breaking into crumbles; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and 1 can of undrained tomatoes; heat through., Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix beans, 1/2 cup cheese, cilantro, remaining can of undrained tomatoes and, if desired, pepper sauce. Spread onto bottom of a greased 13x9-in. baking dish., Stand taco shells upright over bean mixture. Fill each with 1 tablespoon cheese and about 1/3 cup beef mixture. Bake, covered, 15 minutes., Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, 5-7 minutes or until cheese is melted and shells are lightly browned. Sprinkle with green onions.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 277 calories, Fat 15g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 52mg cholesterol, Sodium 836mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 17g protein.

MIDDLE-SCHOOL TACOS



Middle-School Tacos image

Here is a taste of a time when Mexican food was not as widely available in the United States as it is today, when parents and sports bars looked for food to serve children and those who eat like them, when the combination of crunch and fat and silk was divine. It still can be, if you avoid the taco kits of yore and make your own picadillo, then put it in hard-shell tacos and top how you like. For those who want to avoid prefabricated taco shells, make a form out of aluminum foil, fry fresh corn tortillas in shimmering neutral oil and then allow them to cool into shape on their aluminum saddle. Taco night. You can't eat just two.

Provided by Sam Sifton

Categories     tacos, main course

Time 30m

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 tablespoons neutral oil, like canola, peanut or grapeseed
1 medium-size yellow onion, peeled and diced
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 pounds ground beef
2 tablespoons chile powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons smoked paprika (or substitute hot or sweet paprika)
1 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes, or to taste
1 cup chicken broth or beef broth, low-sodium if store-bought
12-18 hard taco shells
Toppings: grated cheese, sliced jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, etc.

Steps:

  • Place a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add the oil. When it begins to shimmer, add the onion, and cook until softened and starting to brown, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Add the garlic, and cook for a minute or so to soften, and then the ground beef. Cook until the beef is starting to brown, stirring and chopping with a spoon to break up the meat, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Pour off excess fat, leaving only a tablespoon or two in the pan.
  • Heat oven to 325. Add the chile powder, cumin, salt, pepper, cornstarch, paprika and red-pepper flakes, and stir to combine. Add the broth, stir, bring to a simmer and cook uncovered until the sauce has thickened slightly, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
  • As sauce cooks, place taco shells on a sheet pan, and toast in oven until they are crisp and smell nutty. Serve a few tablespoons of meat in each taco, along with whatever toppings you like.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 596, UnsaturatedFat 20 grams, Carbohydrate 28 grams, Fat 40 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 31 grams, SaturatedFat 14 grams, Sodium 587 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 2 grams

OVEN-BAKED BEEF TOUCHDOWN TACOS



Oven-Baked Beef Touchdown Tacos image

These oven-baked tacos don't mess around. Seasoned ground beef, refried beans, melty cheese and fresh toppings are packed inside crunchy taco shells to make what we consider the ultimate choice in game day snackage.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 35m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 package (4.7 oz) Old El Paso™ Stand 'N Stuff™ taco shells
1 lb ground beef
1 medium chopped onion (1/2 cup)
1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ original taco seasoning mix
1/3 cup water
1 can (16 oz) Old El Paso™ refried beans
1 1/4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (5 oz)
Shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, sliced jalapeño chiles, chopped red onion, lime wedges, cilantro leaves, salsa, guacamole and sour cream, if desired

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 400°F. Spray bottom of 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with cooking spray. Place taco shells standing up and together in dish; set aside.
  • In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef and onion over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until beef is thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in taco seasoning mix and water; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until mixture has thickened. Remove from heat.
  • To assemble, spread about 2 tablespoons refried beans in bottom of each shell. Top each with heaping 1/4 cup beef mixture and 2 tablespoons shredded cheese. Bake 5 to 7 minutes or until cheese is melted. Top with remaining ingredients, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 250, Carbohydrate 16 g, Cholesterol 40 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 2 g, Protein 14 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, ServingSize 1 Taco, Sodium 500 mg, Sugar 0 g, TransFat 0 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your tacos.
  • Cook the beef until it is browned and slightly crispy. This will give it a nice texture and flavor.
  • Season the beef with a variety of spices. This will help to create a flavorful filling.
  • Use a variety of toppings. This will allow everyone to customize their tacos to their liking.
  • Serve the tacos with a variety of salsas. This will add even more flavor and spice to the tacos.

Conclusion:

Old-school beef tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make meal. They are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party. With a few simple tips, you can make the best old-school beef tacos that will be enjoyed by everyone.

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