Best Ultimate Chewy Taco Shells Recipes

TACO STUFFED SHELLS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Cook the pasta shells in a pot according to the directions on the box and drain.
• Add the ground beef to the pot and brown well.
• Drain the fat.
• Add the taco seasoning and water, stir and cook until water is gone.
• Stir in 1 cup salsa and 3/4 cup cheese.
• Scoop into the jumbo pasta shells and top with the remaining salsa and cheese.
• Bake in a covered pan for 15 minutes.

HARD TACO SHELLS

Steps:

• Heat about 1 inch of oil in a heavy skillet over medium to medium-high heat to 365 degrees F (180 degrees C).
• Use tongs to place one tortilla at a time into the oil. It should start to sizzle right away. Cook for about 15 seconds, then flip over and fold the shell in half, holding in place with the tongs until crispy, about 15 seconds. You may need a little practice at first. Drain on paper towels, and sprinkle with salt while still hot. Use for tacos right away, or they may become chewy. Leftovers may be heated in the oven for crisping.

PUFFY TACO SHELLS

Steps:

• Mix masa harina, salt, and 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons water together in a bowl using your fingertips until dough forms and pulls away from the sides, 2 or 3 minutes. Form into a firm, flattened ball and divide into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball. Keep dough balls covered with a damp paper towel as you fry them, one at a time.
• Place dough ball between 2 sheets of plastic or a split open zip top bag. Flatten to form a small circle about 1/8 to 3/16 inch thick.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, slide in the first circle. Very carefully baste hot oil over the top of the shell with a spoon to keep oil circulating over the top surface. When shell has puffed (after about 15 seconds), cook another few seconds and flip it over and cook another 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat for each shell.
• When shells are still warm and pliable, gently push down puffed tops to create room for the fillings and slightly crease the shells for folding.
• Fill with your favorite taco fixings and serve while shells are still warm.