Cheesy Spicy Tacos
Satisfy your cravings with these easy-to-make Cheesy Spicy Tacos, featuring seasoned ground meat, melty cheese, and customizable toppings for a quick meal that pleases everyone.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, pork, or plant-based ground)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix) For homemade mix, use 1½ tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp salt.
- 1/4 cup water
- 1–2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- Taco shells (crunchy corn shells or hard flour shells)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Spicy sauce (sriracha or your favorite hot sauce) (optional)
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat a large skillet over medium. Add the ground meat and break it up with a spatula. Cook until no pink remains—about 7–9 minutes for beef, a little less for turkey or plant-based.
- Drain excess fat into a heatproof container, leaving roughly 1 tablespoon in the pan for flavor. Return pan to medium heat.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the cooked meat. Pour in 1/4 cup water and stir to coat. Simmer 2–3 minutes until the liquid reduces and spices cling to the meat. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed.
- Prepare taco shells according to package directions (most call for a 375°F oven for a few minutes or a quick microwave warm-up).
- Fill each shell with a generous spoonful of seasoned meat. Immediately sprinkle shredded cheese over the hot filling so it begins to melt.
- Top with shredded lettuce and diced tomato. Add sour cream and drizzle spicy sauce to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
For lower fat, use lean ground turkey or chicken; add 1 tbsp olive oil if the pan looks dry after draining. For smoky heat, swap smoked paprika for a pinch of chipotle powder. Vegan option: use crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground and vegan cheese.