Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet (for bacon and/or warming shells)
- Tongs or spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
We start by building our flavorful foundation: the bacon. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until perfectly crispy. This method is my favorite because it’s hands-off and renders the fat beautifully. While the bacon cooks, dice your onion. Once the bacon is done, carefully remove the pan (save that grease!) and transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Once cool, crumble it into bits. Pour about one tablespoon of the precious bacon grease from the sheet into your large skillet. This is where the magic begins.
Now, we cook the beef with all the burger-inspired seasonings. Heat the skillet with the bacon grease over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon. Let it get a good sear—don’t just steam it until it’s gray. You want those browned bits for flavor. When the beef is about halfway cooked, add the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft. The smell at this point is absolutely incredible—like the best diner burger you’ve ever had.
Next comes the cheesy, glorious union. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the crumbled bacon and all of the shredded cheeses into the hot beef mixture. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and everything is combined into one cohesive, gooey, irresistible filling. If it seems too thick, you can add a tiny splash of beef broth or water. Take the skillet off the heat. While the cheese is melting, warm your taco shells according to package directions—usually in the oven for 5 minutes. I like using the “stand-and-stuff” style shells because they’re sturdier, but soft flour tortillas work great too.(See the next page below to continue…)