Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 4 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
  • 4 cups neutral oil for frying
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, warmed and slightly mashed
  • 4 cups iceberg lettuce, finely shredded
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
  • 2 roma tomatoes, diced
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup Taco Bell Mild Sauce

Instructions:

  1. Brown the beef. In a large skillet over medium high heat, cook the 1 lb ground beef, breaking it into very small crumbles, until no pink remains and it starts to sizzle.
  2. Add the aromatics. Stir in the 2 tbsp tomato paste and all spices (chili powder, cumin, garlic, onion powder, salt, sugar). Note: Searing the paste for 60 seconds removes the raw metallic taste.
  3. Simmer the slurry. Whisk the 1 tsp cornstarch into the 1/2 cup water until smooth, then pour it into the pan.
  4. Thicken the meat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce is glossy and coats the meat perfectly. Remove from heat and cover.
  5. Heat the oil. Pour 4 cups of neutral oil into a deep pot and heat to 350°F.
  6. Shape the shell. Carefully place one flour tortilla on the surface of the oil. Immediately press the center down with a metal ladle.
  7. Fry until golden. Hold the ladle in place for 30 to 45 seconds until the tortilla holds a bowl shape and becomes crispy.
  8. Drain thoroughly. Use tongs to lift the shell out, tilting it to drain oil from the center. Place upside down on paper towels.
  9. Layer the base. Spread 1/4 of the mashed pinto beans into the bottom of each shell. Note: This creates a heavy base that keeps the bowl from tipping.
  10. Add the meat. Spoon the warm beef mixture over the beans.
  11. Pile the greens. Top with 1 cup of finely shredded iceberg lettuce.
  12. Garnish and serve. Add the cheddar cheese, diced roma tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, and a generous drizzle of the Taco Bell Mild Sauce.