Baked Tacos

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 1/4 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 (1.25-ounce) package taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup water or beer
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce (such as Cholula)
• 12 hard taco shells
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• Pico de gallo
• Avocado
• Sour cream
• Cilantro
• Shredded lettuce
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the beef as it cooks; drain excess fat.
2. Add onion, and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Stir in taco seasoning, water or beer and hot sauce until flavors have blended, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly oil a 9 x 13 baking dish or coat with nonstick spray.
6. Place taco shells in a single layer, standing up, into the prepared baking dish. Place into oven and bake until crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Working carefully, add 1/4 cup ground beef mixture to each taco shell; sprinkle with cheese.
8. Place into oven and bake until cheese has melted, about 4-5 minutes.
9. Serve immediately with desired toppings.