Name: Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos: The Ultimate Recipe You Need Now
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 12 tacos
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor); 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning; 1/2 cup water; 12 small flour tortillas (street taco size); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor); 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Salt to taste; 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded; 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish; 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; Shredded lettuce; Diced tomatoes; Diced red onion; Pickle slices; Jalapeños (fresh or pickled)

Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos: Prepare to have your mind blown! Imagine the juicy, savory goodness of a classic bacon cheeseburger, but instead of a bun, it's nestled inside a warm, crispy taco shell. Yes, you read that right! This isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that combines two of America's favorite comfort foods into one unforgettable dish.

While the exact origins of bacon cheeseburger tacos are shrouded in mystery (likely born from a late-night craving and a stroke of genius!), the concept perfectly embodies the spirit of fusion cuisine. It's about taking familiar flavors and presenting them in a new and exciting way. Think of it as a playful nod to the ever-evolving landscape of American food, where innovation and deliciousness reign supreme.

So, why are people obsessed with this delightful mashup? It's simple! The combination of seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and your favorite burger toppings, all tucked into a convenient taco shell, is simply irresistible. The contrast of textures – the soft taco, the juicy meat, the crunchy bacon – creates a symphony in your mouth. Plus, these bacon cheeseburger tacos are incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun party snack. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more!

Ingredients:

For the Taco Shells:

1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
1/2 cup water
12 small flour tortillas (street taco size)
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Cheeseburger Filling:

1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

For the Bacon:

8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled

For the Burger Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Toppings (Optional):

Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Diced red onion
Pickle slices
Jalapeños (fresh or pickled)

Preparing the Taco "Shells": Ground Beef Tortillas

Okay, let's start with the unique part of this recipe – the ground beef taco shells! This is what really sets these Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos apart. Trust me, it's easier than it sounds, and the result is totally worth it.

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the 1 pound of ground beef for the taco shells. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. Make sure you get all the big chunks broken down; you want it relatively fine.
Season the Beef: Add the taco seasoning packet and 1/2 cup of water to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the beef is nicely coated with the seasoning. This step is crucial for flavor, so don't rush it!
Prepare the Tortillas: Lay out the flour tortillas on a clean work surface. I like to use a large cutting board or a baking sheet.
Coat the Tortillas: Evenly spread the seasoned ground beef mixture over each tortilla, covering the entire surface. Don't overload them, but make sure each tortilla has a good, even layer. This is what will make them crispy and delicious!
Cook the Taco Shells: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the beef-covered tortillas, beef-side down, in the skillet. You'll probably need to work in batches, depending on the size of your skillet.
Cook Until Crispy: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. The beef will help them crisp up beautifully. Use a spatula to gently flip them.
Drain Excess Oil: Remove the cooked taco shells from the skillet and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This will help them stay crispy.
Keep Warm: If you're not ready to assemble the tacos immediately, you can keep the taco shells warm in a low oven (around 200°F) until you're ready to use them.

Preparing the Cheeseburger Filling

Now, let's move on to the heart of the cheeseburger – the filling! This is where we'll build that classic cheeseburger flavor that everyone loves.

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the remaining 1 pound of ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. This step adds a lot of flavor to the filling.
Season the Beef: Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to the skillet. Stir well to combine and ensure the beef is evenly seasoned. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I like a little extra smoked paprika for that smoky burger flavor.
Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese over the ground beef mixture. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt completely, about 2-3 minutes. The cheese should be gooey and delicious! If you don't have a lid, you can carefully tent the skillet with foil.
Stir to Combine: Once the cheese is melted, stir everything together until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the ground beef. This creates a wonderfully cheesy and flavorful filling.

Cooking the Bacon

What's a cheeseburger without bacon? Let's get that crispy bacon ready to go!

Cook the Bacon: There are several ways to cook bacon. You can fry it in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, bake it in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or even microwave it using a bacon-specific microwave tray. Choose your preferred method. I personally like baking it because it's less messy.
Drain and Crumble: Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the heat and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess grease. Once it's cool enough to handle, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

Making the Burger Sauce

No cheeseburger is complete without a special sauce! This homemade burger sauce is quick, easy, and adds the perfect tangy and savory touch to these tacos.

Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Mix Well: Stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the sauce is smooth.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add a little more relish for sweetness, mustard for tang, or paprika for smokiness.
Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the burger sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Assembling the Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos

Alright, the moment we've been waiting for! Let's put these Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos together and enjoy the deliciousness!

Prepare Your Work Station: Gather all your ingredients: the crispy ground beef taco shells, the cheesy ground beef filling, the crumbled bacon, the burger sauce, and any toppings you've chosen (shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, pickle slices, jalapeños, etc.).
Fill the Taco Shells: Carefully spoon the cheesy ground beef filling into each of the crispy ground beef taco shells. Don't overfill them, but make sure each taco has a generous amount of filling.
Add the Bacon: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the cheesy ground beef filling in each taco.
Drizzle with Burger Sauce: Drizzle the burger sauce over the bacon and filling. You can use a spoon or a squeeze bottle for this step.
Add Toppings: Add any additional toppings you desire, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, pickle slices, or jalapeños.
Serve Immediately: Serve the Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos immediately while they are still warm and crispy. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos are truly a flavor explosion you won't want to miss. They're quick, they're easy, and they're guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, whether it's a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. I know, I know, it sounds a little crazy, but trust me on this one – the combination of crispy bacon, juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and all your favorite burger toppings nestled in a warm tortilla is pure magic. Why are these a must-try? Well, beyond the sheer deliciousness, they offer a fantastic twist on two classic comfort foods. You get the satisfying heartiness of a cheeseburger with the fun, customizable nature of tacos. Plus, they're incredibly versatile! Looking for serving suggestions? I love serving these with a side of crispy fries or sweet potato fries for the ultimate burger-and-fries experience. A simple coleslaw or a fresh garden salad also works beautifully to balance out the richness. And don't forget the dipping sauces! Ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, or even a creamy sriracha mayo would be fantastic additions. But the fun doesn't stop there! Feel free to get creative with variations.

Variations to Try:

* Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture or top with sliced jalapeños for a fiery kick. * Guacamole Goodness: Swap out some of the lettuce and tomato for a generous dollop of guacamole. * Breakfast for Dinner: Add a fried egg on top for a breakfast-inspired twist. * Turkey Time: Substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option. * Veggie Delight: Use a plant-based ground beef alternative and load up on the veggies for a vegetarian-friendly version. * Mini Tacos: Use smaller tortillas to make bite-sized appetizers, perfect for parties. The possibilities are endless! Don't be afraid to experiment and find your perfect Bacon Cheeseburger Taco combination. I truly believe this recipe is a winner, and I'm so excited for you to try it. It's one of those dishes that's both comforting and exciting, familiar yet unique. It's the perfect way to spice up your taco night or add a little fun to your burger routine. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to experience the deliciousness of these incredible tacos. I promise you won't be disappointed. And most importantly, I'd love to hear about your experience! Once you've made these Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what you thought, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Sharing your feedback helps me improve the recipe and inspires other readers to give it a try. Happy cooking, and enjoy! I can't wait to hear what you think!