18 Mexican Hard Shell Taco Recipe Experience Flavor Like Never Before!

Published on: Apr 24, 2024

Mexican cuisine is beloved all over the world for its bold and flavorful dishes. One of the most iconic Mexican dishes is the hard shell taco, which originated in Mexico and has since become a staple in many households. These delicious tacos are made up of a crispy corn tortilla shell filled with a variety of tasty ingredients. If you want to recreate this classic dish at home, follow this simple and authentic Mexican hard shell taco recipe.

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1 of 20

Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Main Ingredients: Refried Beans, Diced Tomatoes, Shredded Cheese, Green

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If you're a fan of Taco Bell's Mexican pizza, you'll love this homemade version that tastes just like the real thing! This recipe starts with a crispy tortilla shell that's topped with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and a layer of melted cheese. Then, it's finished off with a second tortilla, more cheese, and your favorite toppings. It's quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious.

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Mexican Taco Casserole

Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Ground Turkey, Onion, Garlic, Jalapeno

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This Mexican taco casserole is the perfect weeknight meal for busy families. It's made with layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and cheese, all baked together until hot and bubbly. You can customize this dish to your liking by adding your favorite taco toppings, like salsa, avocado, or sour cream. Serve it with a side of Spanish rice for a complete meal.

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Taco Seasoning Mexican Spice Mix

Main Ingredients: Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Garlic Powder, Onion

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Forget store-bought taco seasoning packets! This homemade Mexican spice mix is easy to make and adds the perfect amount of flavor to any taco dish. It's a simple blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and other spices, and can be adjusted to your liking. Make a big batch and store it in an airtight container for future use.

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Crock Pot Mexican Taco Casserole

Main Ingredients: Ground Turkey, Onion, Corn, Black Beans, Diced

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Busy schedules call for easy, hands-off meals, and this crock pot Mexican taco casserole fits the bill perfectly. Simply layer all the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. The result is a delicious, hearty meal that the whole family will love. Don't forget to top it with your favorite taco toppings before serving.

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Mexican Cornbread

Main Ingredients: Self Rising Cornmeal, Cream Style Corn, Grated Cheddar

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This Mexican twist on traditional cornbread is a must-try for any cornbread lover. It's made with a mix of cornmeal, flour, and seasonings, and is studded with corn kernels and diced peppers for a burst of flavor in every bite. Serve it alongside your favorite chili or soup for a hearty and satisfying meal.

6 of 20

Doritos Taco Salad

Main Ingredients: 95 Lean Ground Beef, Taco Seasoning Reduced Sodium

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Turn your favorite chips into a full meal with this Doritos taco salad. It's a colorful mix of lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, corn, and seasoned ground beef, all topped with crushed Doritos and a creamy dressing. This salad is perfect for potlucks, parties, or a quick and easy dinner option.

7 of 20

Mexican Rice

Main Ingredients: Long Grain White Rice, Chicken Broth, Olive Oil, Small

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This authentic Mexican rice recipe is a staple in any Mexican household. It's a simple dish made with rice, tomato sauce, and spices, and is the perfect side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal. The key to making perfect Mexican rice is to let it simmer until all the liquid is absorbed, resulting in fluffy and flavorful rice.

8 of 20

Taco Lasagna

Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Taco Seasoning, Water, Diced Tomatoes

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If you love lasagna and tacos, this dish is for you! It's a delicious mashup of both, with layers of seasoned ground beef, cheese, and lasagna noodles. The noodles are replaced with soft tortillas, and the whole dish is baked until hot and bubbly. It's a fun twist on two classic dishes.

9 of 20

Mexican Street Tacos

Main Ingredients: Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce, Lime Juice, Canola Oil

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No need to visit a food truck to enjoy authentic Mexican street tacos. This recipe brings all the flavors of street tacos to your kitchen. It's made with marinated flank steak, topped with onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve it with warm tortillas and your favorite salsa for a delicious and satisfying meal.

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Skinny Mexican Casserole

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell

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If you're looking for a healthier option that doesn't skimp on flavor, this skinny Mexican casserole is the answer. It's made with lean ground turkey, black beans, corn, and a variety of vegetables, all topped with a light layer of cheese. It's a guilt-free way to enjoy your favorite Mexican flavors.

11 of 20

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Main Ingredients: Fresh Corn, Lime Juice, Avocado Oil, Jalapeno Peppers

Mexican Street Corn Salad with Chipotle Dressing | Jessica Gavin

Mexican Street Corn Salad [VIDEO] - Lexi's Clean Kitchen

This Mexican street corn salad is a delicious and refreshing side dish. It's made with grilled corn, red onion, cotija cheese, and a creamy dressing made with mayo, lime juice, and spices. It's the perfect accompaniment to any Mexican meal, and can also be enjoyed as a dip with chips.

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Mexican Flan

Main Ingredients: Flan, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Whole Milk, Cream

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Best Flan Recipe: How To Make Mexican Flan With This Easy Flan Recipe!

Finish off your Mexican-inspired meal with this decadent and delicious flan. Flan is a creamy custard dessert, and this Mexican version is made with condensed milk, evaporated milk, and a touch of vanilla. It's baked until set and then chilled before serving. Top it with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

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Authentic Mexican Rice

Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Rice, Garlic, Diced Onions, Chicken

There's nothing like the taste of authentic Mexican rice, and this recipe delivers just that. It's a simple dish made with long-grain rice, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and a few seasonings. The result is fluffy and flavorful rice that pairs perfectly with any Mexican dish.

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Taco Soup

Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Jalapeno, Diced

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The Easiest Creamy Taco Soup - The Ashcroft Family Table

Warm up on a cold day with this hearty and flavorful taco soup. It's made with ground beef, beans, corn, and a variety of vegetables, all simmered in a tomato-based broth. It's similar to chili but with a Mexican twist. Top it with shredded cheese and crushed tortilla chips for a complete meal.

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Birria Taco

Main Ingredients: Boneless Chuck Roast, Kosher Salt, Pepper, Vegetable

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Birria tacos are a popular street food in Mexico, and for a good reason. They're made with tender and flavorful beef that's been slow-cooked in a blend of spices, and served in a warm tortilla with onion, cilantro, and a side of spicy broth for dipping. They're a must-try for any taco lover.

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Taco Bell Tacos

Main Ingredients: Ground Chuck, Corn Flour, Chili Powder, Onion Powder

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Craving the taste of Taco Bell at home? This recipe for Taco Bell tacos is as close as it gets. It's a homemade version of the fast-food chain's famous tacos, made with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and a crunchy taco shell. Customize it with your favorite toppings for the ultimate Taco Bell experience.

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Taco Bake {Mexican Pizza}

Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Taco Seasoning, Water, Flour Tortillas

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If you're a fan of both pizza and tacos, this taco bake is the perfect dish for you. It's a delicious combination of the two, with a seasoned ground beef and bean mixture, layered with cheese, and topped with a crunchy tortilla chip crust. It's a fun and flavorful twist on traditional pizza.

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Mexican Pizza | Taco Bell Style Vegetarian Mexican...

Main Ingredients: Tortilla, Refried Beans, Tomatoes, Spring Onions

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This vegetarian Mexican pizza is a delicious and satisfying option for those looking for a meatless meal. It's made with a bean and veggie mixture, topped with cheese, and served on a crispy tortilla shell. It's a great way to enjoy the flavors of Taco Bell without the meat.

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Mexican Pinto Beans

Main Ingredients: Pinto Beans, Water, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Garlic

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Mexican Pinto Beans - Frijoles Charros, mash to make refried

Pinto beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and this recipe for Mexican pinto beans is a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy them. The beans are cooked with bacon, onion, garlic, and spices, resulting in a rich and savory side dish that pairs well with any Mexican meal.

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Easy Taco Salad In Taco Shell Bowls

Main Ingredients: Flour Tortillas, Olive Oil, Ground Turkey, Taco

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Put a fun twist on traditional taco salad with these easy taco salad bowls. They're made by baking tortillas in the shape of bowls, then filling them with your favorite taco toppings. Kids and adults alike will love this creative and tasty way to enjoy a classic meal.

Ingredients

Taco Shells:

Corn tortillas
Oil for frying

Taco Filling:

Ground beef
Chopped onion
Minced garlic
Chopped tomatoes
Shredded lettuce
Shredded cheese
Sliced black olives
Sour cream
Salsa
Salt and pepper

Before you start cooking the filling, you will need to prepare the taco shells. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the corn tortillas one at a time and fry for about 30 seconds on each side until they are crispy. Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In the same skillet used for the taco shells, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is browned and fully cooked. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks. Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Season the Filling

Season the ground beef mixture with salt and pepper, or your favorite taco seasoning. Stir well to evenly coat the meat. Add chopped tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are slightly softened.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

Once all of the filling ingredients are cooked, it's time to assemble the tacos. Take a crispy taco shell and fill it with the ground beef mixture. Top with shredded lettuce, cheese, black olives, sour cream, and salsa. Repeat with the remaining taco shells and filling.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Your mouth-watering Mexican hard shell tacos are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them with your favorite toppings and sides, such as guacamole, pico de gallo, or Mexican rice. These tacos are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends and family.

With this easy and authentic Mexican hard shell taco recipe, you can bring the flavors of Mexico into your own kitchen. So why not give it a try and impress your loved ones with these delicious and crispy tacos!