Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 fat content)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for more flavor)
- 2 tablespoons beef tallow or butter (for cooking)
- Carnivore taco shells (recipe below) or crispy cheese shells
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, cooked egg, etc.
For Carnivore Taco Shells:
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons ground pork rinds (or more, if needed)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon beef tallow or butter (for cooking)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Taco Shells (if using)
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs and mix in the ground pork rinds and salt. The mixture should resemble a thick pancake batter.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the beef tallow or butter.
- Pour about 2-3 tablespoons of the egg and pork rind mixture into the pan to form small round shells (like crepes or tortillas).
- Cook each shell for about 2-3 minutes on each side until firm and lightly golden. Remove and set aside to cool.
Alternatively, you can make crispy cheese shells:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place small piles of shredded cheese (about 1/4 cup each) on the parchment paper and spread into circles.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the cheese circles cool slightly, then fold them over a spoon handle or edge of a bowl to create taco shell shapes.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the beef tallow or butter.
- Add the ground beef to the pan and cook, breaking it up into small crumbles.
- Season the beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
- Place the cooked ground beef into the carnivore taco shells or crispy cheese shells.
- Add any optional carnivore-friendly toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, or even scrambled eggs.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips:
- Taco Shell Alternatives: You can also use large pieces of crispy bacon or grilled meat slices as taco shells for a fully carnivore experience.
- Fat Content: Choose ground beef with a higher fat content for added richness and flavor, or add extra tallow or butter if you prefer a juicier filling.
- Seasoning: For a true carnivore approach, you can skip the spices and only use salt and pepper. The flavor will come from the beef and fat.
Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 2 tacos):
- Calories: ~350 kcal (without optional toppings)
- Protein: ~25g
- Fat: ~28g
- Carbohydrates: ~0-1g (depending on shell choice)
These Carnivore Beef Tacos are a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal that adheres to the carnivore diet, focusing on meat, fat, and minimal carbs!