Taco Bell-Style Crunchy Beef Tacos

This version swaps industrial seasonings and seed oils for whole-food spices and avocado oil, offering a minimally processed taco experience.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb organic grass-fed ground beef
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 pinch sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 8 organic crunchy corn taco shells
  • 1 cup shredded organic cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup diced Roma tomatoes
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Clean swaps

How we upgrade the restaurant version with better ingredients.

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Reorder the shelf-stable staples for this recipe.

What you'll need

Instructions

  1. Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking into small crumbles.
  3. Drain excess liquid or fat from the pan.
  4. Reduce heat to medium, then stir in cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add 1/4 cup water and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. While the meat simmers, preheat the oven to 350°F and warm the taco shells for 3–5 minutes.
  7. Assemble tacos by filling each shell with seasoned beef and topping with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro.

FAQ

Can I use olive oil instead of avocado oil?

While olive oil is also a healthy alternative, avocado oil maintains the specific taste profile intended in this recipe.

What are some other herbs that could be used besides cilantro?

Fresh parsley or basil can be substituted for cilantro to provide a different freshness and flavor.

Are there non-grass-fed beef options if grass-fed is not available?

If grass-fed is unavailable, look for hormone-free and antibiotic-free organic beef as the next best choice.

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