Are you craving the savory flavors of a bacon cheeseburger but want something a little different? Look no further! These Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos offer the best of both worlds, combining juicy beef, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and classic burger toppings all wrapped in soft taco shells. It’s a delicious and fun way to enjoy your burger in taco form, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.
Let’s break down the ingredients and process so you can create these mouthwatering tacos in no time!
Jump to RecipeIngredients Breakdown
This recipe uses simple ingredients, but when combined, they create a flavor explosion that mimics a loaded cheeseburger. Here’s a closer look at each component:
1. Ground Beef (1 lb)
The base of the tacos, ground beef, brings that rich, hearty flavor we associate with a classic cheeseburger. Cooked and crumbled, it fills each taco shell with meaty goodness.
2. Bacon (½ lb, cooked and crumbled)
Who can resist bacon? Crispy, salty, and savory, the crumbled bacon adds an extra layer of indulgence to each taco. Make sure it’s cooked until crisp for the best texture.
3. Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup)
Cheddar cheese is a staple of any good cheeseburger, and it’s no different here. Melting slightly over the warm beef, the cheese ties all the flavors together with its creamy, tangy taste.
4. Shredded Lettuce (½ cup)
Lettuce adds a fresh, crunchy element to the tacos, balancing the richness of the beef and bacon. Iceberg or romaine works best, but you can use any lettuce you prefer.
5. Diced Pickles (¼ cup)
What’s a cheeseburger without pickles? The diced pickles bring that tangy, salty bite that complements the richness of the beef and bacon perfectly. Dill pickles are most common, but feel free to use bread-and-butter pickles if you prefer something sweeter.
6. Soft Taco Shells (8)
Soft taco shells are the perfect vehicle for holding all the loaded burger toppings. You can use flour tortillas, but for a gluten-free option, try corn tortillas.
7. Burger Sauce or Mayonnaise (¼ cup)
Finish off each taco with a drizzle of your favorite burger sauce or mayonnaise. Burger sauce typically contains a blend of ketchup, mayo, mustard, and seasonings, but if you’re in a pinch, plain mayo will still add a delicious creaminess.
Step-by-Step Directions
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, it’s time to cook up some Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos! This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes.
1. Cook the Ground Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break up the beef as it cooks, ensuring that it’s evenly browned and cooked through. If you have excess fat, be sure to drain it off before proceeding to the next step.
2. Prepare the Taco Shells
While the beef is cooking, warm the soft taco shells. You can do this by either heating them in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side or microwaving them for 15-20 seconds to soften.
3. Assemble the Tacos
Once the beef is cooked and your taco shells are warm, it’s time to assemble your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos:
- Fill each taco shell with a generous portion of the cooked ground beef.
- Add crumbled bacon on top.
- Sprinkle on the shredded cheddar cheese, followed by the lettuce and diced pickles.
4. Drizzle with Sauce
For that final burst of flavor, drizzle each taco with burger sauce or mayonnaise. You can also try using chipotle mayo or spicy ketchup for a zesty twist!
5. Serve Immediately
Serve the tacos while they’re still hot. The beef and bacon will be warm, the cheese will be slightly melty, and the taco shells will be soft and pliable perfect for folding and devouring!
Taco Customization Ideas
While this recipe is fantastic as-is, feel free to make it your own by adding or swapping out ingredients. Here are some ideas to take your tacos to the next level:
1. Add Extra Toppings
- Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes will add a pop of juiciness and sweetness to the tacos.
- Onions: Thinly sliced red onions or even sautéed onions can add a sharp, tangy flavor.
- Jalapeños: For some heat, toss in a few sliced jalapeños.
2. Swap the Sauce
- Chipotle Mayo: A spicier alternative to regular mayo that adds a smoky kick.
- Spicy Ketchup: Add a bit of hot sauce to your ketchup for a quick and easy flavor boost.
3. Try a Different Cheese
- Swap out the cheddar for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a smoked gouda for a different flavor profile.
4. Go Low-Carb
- If you’re looking for a low-carb option, you can use lettuce wraps instead of taco shells. The crisp lettuce will still provide a great texture contrast to the warm, savory fillings.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Cook the ground beef until it’s just done to avoid it becoming too dry.
- Warm the Taco Shells: Warming the taco shells makes them more pliable and less likely to tear when filled.
- Serve Immediately: These tacos are best served fresh while all the ingredients are still warm and the cheese is slightly melted.
- Prep Toppings Ahead: Dice the pickles, shred the cheese, and chop the lettuce ahead of time to speed up the taco assembly.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos is approximately 450 calories, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown per taco:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos
4
servings10
minutes10
minutes450
kcal20
minutesThese flavorful tacos are packed with ground beef, bacon, cheese, and your favorite toppings. The perfect combination of flavors and textures will leave you craving more. Enjoy these special occasion appetizers for a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
½ lb cooked bacon, crumbled
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded lettuce
¼ cup diced pickles
8 soft taco shells
¼ cup burger sauce or mayonnaise
Directions
- Cook the Beef:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Prepare the Tacos:
- Warm the soft taco shells. Fill each taco with a generous portion of cooked ground beef, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, lettuce, and diced pickles.
- Serve:
- Drizzle each taco with burger sauce or mayonnaise. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Add your favorite toppings like tomatoes, onions, or jalapeños for extra flavor. Try using chipotle mayo or spicy ketchup for a twist.
Conclusion: A Fun and Flavorful Taco Night
Whether it’s for a casual weeknight meal or a fun taco party with friends, these Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos are sure to be a hit. Combining the classic flavors of a bacon cheeseburger with the handheld convenience of tacos, they’re the perfect mash-up of two beloved comfort foods.
With endless customization options, you can keep it simple or load them up with extra toppings to suit your tastes. Try them out for your next taco night you’ll love how easy and delicious they are!