Ingredients:

  • 6 corn tortillas
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 tbsp spicy hot sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup refried beans
  • 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup Mexican crema
  • 1 lime

Instructions:

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Fry each corn tortilla for 30-60 seconds per side until golden brown and stiff, then drain on paper towels.
  3. Drain excess oil from the skillet and brown the lean ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink.
  4. Stir in the spicy hot sauce, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce glazes the meat.
  5. Spread a thin layer of warm refried beans edge-to-edge on each crispy shell to create a moisture barrier.
  6. Top the beans with a spoonful of spicy beef and a sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
  7. Finish with shredded iceberg lettuce, a drizzle of Mexican crema, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.