Ingredients:
For the cheese shells:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
- Optional: A pinch of chili powder or paprika for added flavor
For the filling:
- 1/2 lb ground beef (or ground chicken, turkey, or pork)
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup salsa or chopped tomatoes
Toppings (optional):
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions:
- Make the Cheese Shells:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spoon small mounds of shredded cheese onto the parchment paper (about 2 tablespoons per shell). Flatten them slightly to form small circles, about 3 inches in diameter. Leave space between each mound as they will spread.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden brown.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the cheese circles cool for about 1 minute (just enough so they are still pliable but not too hot to handle).
- Carefully lift each cheese circle and drape it over the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar-sized object to form a taco shell shape. Let them cool completely.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil and sauté the onion until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- If using salsa or chopped tomatoes, stir them into the meat mixture and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Fill each cheese shell with a spoonful of the meat mixture.
- Top with your favorite low-carb toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, jalapeños, and cilantro.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately while the shells are crisp.
