Tacos ~ My Way

Line a sheet pan with a brown paper bag (or two) and top the bag with a few paper towels and set aside.

In a large skillet over medium high heat, brown the ground beef until it is no longer pink. Drain grease if necessary. Pour in the two packets of taco seasoning and stir until mixed well. Add 1/2 – 3/4 cups of water (no matter what the package says). You don’t want the meat to runny so don’t use more than 3/4 cup of water. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes. While those simmer, it’s time for the tortillas to be fried, refried beans to be heated and the veggies to be chopped.

Heat about 1/2 inch oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot add a tortilla and fry it. The tortilla will immediately start to bubble and fill with air. This process is very fast and the oil is very hot so BE CAREFUL. Cook each tortilla for about 15-30 seconds on each side folding it in half (like a taco shell) when you flip it the first time.

When they are the color and crispness that you like remove the shell from the oil to the paper bag lined tray and drain on paper towels until ready to serve. Repeat until all the tortillas are cooked.

Now the fun part! You get to fill these babies with whatever you like. Here’s how we do it around our house.

Fill a tortilla with refried beans, then meat, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, avocado, salsa and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Serves 6 – 8