Taco Bell Style Crunchy Beef Tacos

Taco Bell Style Crunchy Beef Tacos 

Famous for the specific texture of the seasoned ground beef and the distinct crunch of the corn shell.

Dietary Information
Gluten-Free (If using 100% corn shells and checking spice mix ingredients)
Contains Dairy (Cheese)
Adaptation: Omit cheese for dairy-free.

Ingredients List
The Taco Meat:
⦁ 450g | 16 oz (1 lb) Lean Ground Beef
⦁ 1 tbsp Chili Powder
⦁ 1 tsp Ground Cumin
⦁ 1 tsp Garlic Powder
⦁ 1 tsp Onion Powder
⦁ ½ tsp Paprika
⦁ ½ tsp Salt
⦁ ¼ tsp Sugar (helps the browning)
⦁ 4 cups of water

The Assembly:
⦁ 12 Hard Corn Taco Shells
⦁ 200g | 7 oz Iceberg Lettuce, shredded very finely
⦁ 200g | 7 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded

Step-by-Step Guide
⦁ Brown Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon into very small crumbles. Drain excess grease.
⦁ Season: Add all the dry spices and the sugar to the beef. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
⦁ Simmer: Pour in the water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook uncovered for about 10-15 minutes until almost all the liquid has evaporated and the sauce is thick and coating the meat. It shouldn't be "soup."
⦁ Warm Shells: Heat taco shells in a 175°C (350°F) oven for 5 minutes to crisp them.
⦁ Assemble: Place 2 generous tablespoons of meat into a shell, followed by shredded lettuce, and topped generously with cheddar cheese.