Beef Tacos

Forget the seasoning packets and prefab taco shells. The best hard-shell tacos are homemade.

YIELD 4 (Makes 8 tacos)

TIME 55 minutes

Why This Recipe Works

Gather Your Ingredients

Beef Filling
Shells and Toppings

Key Equipment

Key Equipment - Measuring Spoons
Key Equipment - Wooden Spoons
Key Equipment - Graters
Key Equipment - The Best Chef’s Knives for $75 or Less

Before You Begin

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Tomato sauce is sold in cans in the same aisle that carries canned whole tomatoes. Do not use jarred pasta sauce in its place. We prefer to let diners top their own tacos with whatever fillings they prefer. There’s no need to prepare all the toppings listed below, but cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes are, in our opinion, essential. We like to use our Home-Fried Taco Shells for this recipe.

Instructions

1.

Heat oil in medium skillet over medium heat until hot and shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes; add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, spices, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add ground beef and cook, breaking meat up with wooden spoon and scraping pan bottom to prevent scorching, until beef is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add tomato sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, and vinegar; bring to simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, stirring frequently and breaking meat up so that no chunks remain, until liquid has reduced and thickened (mixture should not be completely dry), about 10 minutes. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper.

2.

Using wide, shallow spoon, divide filling evenly among taco shells; place two tacos on individual plates. Serve immediately, passing toppings separately.

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