cheese tortilla tacos

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend)
• 1 lb ground beef (or your choice of meat: chicken, pork, etc.)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning: 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste)
• 1/4 cup water (for taco seasoning)
• Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, salsa, jalapeños, cilantro

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Cheese Tortillas

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
3. Place about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese in a circle (about 4-5 inches in diameter) on the baking sheet. Press the cheese lightly to form a thin, even layer.
4. Repeat the process to make 4-6 cheese tortillas, depending on the size of your baking sheet.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and crispy.
6. Remove the cheese tortillas from the oven and allow them to cool for about 1 minute. While they’re still pliable, drape them over a wooden spoon handle or fold them in half to form a taco shell shape. Let them harden as they cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Taco Filling

1. While the cheese tortillas are baking, cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
2. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the beef is coated in seasoning and the water has reduced.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

1. Once the cheese tortillas have hardened, fill them with the cooked taco meat.
2. Add your desired toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, salsa, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro.

Step 4: Serve

1. Serve the cheese tortilla tacos immediately while the shells are crispy.

Tips:

• Cheese Choices: Cheddar is the most commonly used cheese for this recipe, but you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavors.
• Low-Carb Toppings: Stick with keto-friendly toppings like avocado, sour cream, or hot sauce to keep the tacos low-carb.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can make the cheese tortillas ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information (per taco, based on 6 tacos):

• Calories: ~250 kcal (without toppings)
• Carbohydrates: ~2g
• Protein: ~18g
• Fat: ~20g
• Fiber: ~0g

These Cheese Tortilla Tacos are crispy, cheesy, and totally satisfying. They’re a great option for taco night when you want something low-carb and gluten-free!