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Loaded bacon cheeseburger tacos are the best way I know to satisfy those burger cravings with a fun twist. These tacos have all the flavor of a loaded bacon cheeseburger, tucked into a soft shell and ready in no time. This recipe is always a winner for family dinners, game nights, or casual get-togethers with friends — once everyone tried them at my place, they kept asking for the recipe.
My kids request them every week and I love that cleanup is easy since everyone builds their own taco just how they like it. These are the ultimate crowd pleaser in my house.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Brings the essential burger flavor and protein, choose fresh beef with good marbling for best taste
- Cooked bacon: Adds smoky crunch, thick-cut bacon works best for lots of flavor
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Offers gooey richness, shred your own for better melt and creaminess
- Shredded lettuce: Provides cool crispness and freshness, go for iceberg or romaine for the best crunch
- Diced pickles: Deliver tang and balance the richness, use dill pickles for a classic bite
- Soft taco shells: Make the perfect handheld vessel, pick fresh shells that bend without cracking
- Burger sauce or mayonnaise: Adds creamy moisture, look for sauce with a little tang or spice if you like extra flavor
Instructions
- Make the Beef:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Stir it often and use a spoon to break it into small crumbles as it cooks. When fully browned and cooked through, drain off any excess fat and set the beef aside in a bowl. This helps prevent soggy tacos later.
- Warm the Taco Shells:
- Heat the soft taco shells following the package directions. Usually, a quick warm-up in a dry skillet or wrapped in a damp towel in the microwave works well. Warm shells are more pliable and less likely to tear during assembly.
- Prep the Toppings:
- Wash and shred the lettuce, dice the pickles, and crumble the cooked bacon if not already done. Shred the cheddar cheese if it is not pre-shredded. Lay out all toppings in bowls for easy taco building.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Lay each warm taco shell on a plate. Start by adding a spoonful of cooked ground beef, then a handful of cheddar cheese so it melts a bit from the heat. Add crumbled bacon, lettuce, and diced pickles. Drizzle with burger sauce or mayonnaise as the finishing touch.
- Serve Hot:
- Pass the loaded tacos to your eaters while still warm for the best flavor and melty cheese. Offer extra toppings on the side for everyone to customize.
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Bacon is my family’s not-so-secret ingredient here. The smoky crisp bites make these tacos irresistible and we all compete for the last bacon crumble when assembling our plates.
Storage Tips
Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The cooked beef will stay good up to three days, bacon keeps crisp in a paper towel lined container, and toppings last longest if stored dry. To reheat, warm the beef and shells just before serving and assemble tacos fresh every time for best texture. This makes meal prep a snap and avoids soggy shells.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that is just as tasty. Use turkey bacon if you prefer less fat but keep the crisp texture. For cheese, try pepper jack for heat or mozzarella for a mild melt. You can also pile on sliced avocado, tomatoes, or onions to switch up the toppings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve loaded bacon cheeseburger tacos on a platter at gatherings with bowls of extra pickles, lettuce, and sauces nearby. They go well with seasoned potato wedges, a simple green salad, or classic coleslaw to round out the meal. For a party, set up a taco bar so everyone can build their perfect taco, and kids love being hands on too.
Cultural Context
Bacon cheeseburger tacos are a mash-up of American fast food favorites and taco night, making this recipe a true comfort food fusion. They capture all the fun of burgers but make dinner more interactive, and they bring everyone around the table just like classic taco night does. It is a playful nod to both traditions and always sparks conversation at dinner.
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Give these tacos a try and watch them disappear at your next family dinner or party. They are bound to become a new favorite for burger and taco lovers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of ground beef works best for these tacos?
Opt for an 80/20 blend for flavorful, juicy taco filling that balances meatiness and tenderness.
- → Can I substitute the cheese in this dish?
Yes, pepper jack or mozzarella add new flavors, or try a sharp cheddar for extra tang.
- → How can I add spicy heat?
Add sliced jalapeños or drizzle with spicy ketchup for extra kick in each bite.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep toppings, meat, and shells separate in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- → What other toppings work well?
Diced tomatoes, onions, or avocado make great customizable additions for more texture and flavor.
- → Is there a recommended sauce?
Burger sauce or classic mayonnaise both complement the beef and bacon, adding moisture and tang.