Puffy Tacos Texas Style

Get ready to elevate your taco night with these irresistible Puffy Tacos Texas Style, a true Lone Star State specialty! Featuring golden, crispy-yet-tender taco shells made from freshly pressed masa harina, these tacos deliver a delightful puff when fried to perfection. The filling is a savory and aromatic blend of seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, garlic, and diced tomatoes, creating a flavor-packed base. Pile on classic toppings like crisp shredded lettuce, sharp cheddar cheese, creamy sour cream, and zesty salsa for the ultimate taco experience. Perfect for entertaining or a fun family dinner, these puffy tacos are as satisfying as they are unique. Whether you're a Texas native or just taco-obsessed, this crowd-pleaser is sure to become a favorite meal in your rotation!

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups masa harina
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 1.5 cups warm water
• 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.75 teaspoon salt (for filling)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1.5 cups shredded lettuce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 0.5 cup salsa

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the masa harina and 0.5 teaspoon of salt.

Step 2

Gradually add warm water while mixing until the dough comes together into a soft, moist ball. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.

Step 3

Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each into a ball. Flatten each ball between two sheets of plastic or parchment paper using a tortilla press or a heavy skillet until about 4-5 inches in diameter.

Step 4

In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C).

Step 5

Gently add one tortilla to the hot oil. Fry for about 20-30 seconds until it begins to puff. Use tongs to fold it in half, creating a taco shell shape, and fry for an additional 1-2 minutes, flipping to ensure even frying. Remove and drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Step 6

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 7

Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.

Step 8

Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, and 0.75 teaspoon of salt. Cook for 1 more minute to toast the spices.

Step 9

Add the diced tomatoes to the beef mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 10

To assemble, fill each puffy taco shell with a scoop of the seasoned beef mixture.

Step 11

Top with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a spoonful of salsa. Serve immediately and enjoy your Texas-style puffy tacos!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2796.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	10188.6

Total Fat 1089.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 207.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.2g
Cholesterol 479.6mg	0%
Sodium 5806.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 96.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.9g	0%
Total Sugars 25.6g
Protein 120.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1308.9mg	0%
Iron 15.7mg	0%
Potassium 2455.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 91.9%

Protein: 4.5%

Carbs: 3.6%