Crispy Ground Beef Tacos

Instructions

1. 1Make the taco seasoning by combining the spices, cornstarch, and salt. Mix well to make sure the cornstarch is fully incorporated and there are no lumps.
2. 2Fry the taco shells: Heat your oven to 250°F. Line a baking sheet with a double layer of paper towels and place it in the warm oven. Heat the oil in a cast-iron skillet until it registers 350°F on a deep-frying thermometer. Fry 1 tortilla at a time, using tongs so you don’t get burned: Carefully lay a tortilla in the hot oil—try not to submerge it. Fry flat for about 15 seconds, then use your tongs to fold it in half. Fry an additional 30 seconds, flip over, and fry for a final 30 seconds.
3. 3At this point the tortilla should be browned lightly in spots but still flexible. Remove it from the oil and drain on your towel-lined baking sheet (try to stand the shells up if you can—it doesn’t always work).
4. 4Return the baking sheet to the oven to keep the shells warm. Continue until all the shells are fried. When finished, pour off most of the frying oil, but leave about 1 tablespoon behind in the skillet.
5. 5Set the skillet back over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
6. 6Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
7. 7Add the taco seasoning and stir it into the beef until combined.
8. 8Add the water and cook, uncovered, for a few minutes until the mixture is bubbling and has thickened.
9. 9Assemble your tacos!