Introduction: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup

If you love cheeseburgers and tacos, you’re in for a treat! Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos are the perfect mashup of two beloved dishes, combining the savory goodness of a cheeseburger with the satisfying crunch of a taco. Imagine seasoned ground beef topped with crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh veggies—all nestled in a crunchy taco shell. It’s the best of both worlds!

These tacos are quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any casual gathering or family dinner. They’re sure to become a new favorite in your household, with their mouthwatering combination of textures and flavors.

Let’s dive into how to make these Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos from scratch!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos:

For the Taco Filling:

  • 1 pound ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option)
  • ½ pound cooked bacon, crumbled (for that perfect crispy, smoky flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for an extra boost of flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a lovely smoky depth)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for extra umami)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (the melty, gooey goodness that makes this taco so delicious)

For the Taco Toppings:

  • Lettuce, shredded (for crunch)
  • Diced tomatoes (for freshness)
  • Pickles, sliced (for a tangy contrast)
  • Taco sauce or ranch dressing (optional for extra flavor)
  • Sour cream (optional, for a creamy finish)

For the Taco Shells:

  • Taco shells (soft or hard, based on your preference)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

  1. Start by cooking the ½ pound of bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6–8 minutes.
  2. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

  1. In the same skillet (to save time and infuse some bacon flavor), add the 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat.
  2. Break the beef apart with a spatula as it cooks. Stir occasionally until it is browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
  3. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Season the Beef

  1. Once the beef is cooked, add 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika to the beef.
  2. Stir to combine, ensuring the seasonings are well mixed.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together, and let it simmer for about 3 minutes so the flavors can blend.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

  1. Prepare the taco shells: If you’re using soft tortillas, warm them in the microwave or on a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. If you’re using hard taco shells, heat them according to the package instructions.
  2. Fill each taco shell with a generous amount of the seasoned beef mixture.
  3. Top with cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the hot beef so it melts into the filling.
  4. Add the bacon: Spoon the crumbled bacon over the cheese for that extra layer of savory goodness.
  5. Add fresh toppings: Top each taco with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and pickles for crunch and freshness.
  6. Drizzle with sauces: If desired, drizzle taco sauce or ranch dressing over the top for extra flavor and creaminess.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

  1. Serve the Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos hot with your favorite side dishes like Mexican rice, refried beans, or crispy fries.
  2. Enjoy the deliciousness of these tacos with a side of sour cream or extra taco sauce for dipping!

Nutritional Breakdown (per taco)

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values per taco, assuming the recipe makes 6 tacos:

  • Calories: ~350-400 kcal per taco
  • Protein: ~20g
  • Carbohydrates: ~20g
  • Fat: ~25g
  • Fiber: ~3g

The nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, such as the type of beef, cheese, or taco shells. You can also adjust the portion sizes to suit your needs.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to make sure your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos turn out perfectly every time:

  1. Use Lean Ground Beef: If you want a lighter version of these tacos, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You’ll still get the flavor but with less fat.
  2. Crisp the Bacon Well: The bacon adds a lot of flavor, so be sure to cook it until it’s crispy. The extra crunch is what makes these tacos stand out!
  3. Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is perfect for these tacos, feel free to use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, American cheese, or even pepper jack for some heat.
  4. Customize Your Toppings: Add your favorite burger toppings, such as onions, tomato slices, or even a fried egg for a unique twist.
  5. Use Fresh, Crunchy Lettuce: To keep the tacos fresh and crunchy, use romaine lettuce or iceberg lettuce for the best texture.
  6. Taco Sauce vs. Ranch: If you prefer more tang, go with taco sauce. If you like creamy, stick with ranch dressing. Both pair perfectly with these loaded tacos!

Variations

Here are some ideas to customize your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos:

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with black beans or lentils for a hearty and delicious vegetarian version.
  • Spicy Cheeseburger Tacos: Add jalapeños, sriracha, or hot sauce to give the tacos a spicy kick.
  • Cheesy Bacon Tacos: For even more cheesiness, melt cheddar cheese over the top of the bacon-filled tacos in the oven for a minute before serving.

Meal Prep and Storage

These Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos are great for leftovers or meal prepping:

  • Refrigerating: Store leftover taco filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also store the crumbled bacon separately for added crunch when reheating.
  • Freezing: If you want to store leftovers for a longer period, you can freeze the beef and bacon mixture (without the taco shells) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat on the stove.
  • Reheating: When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the filling in a skillet until warmed through. Warm the taco shells in the oven or microwave, then assemble and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos with these side dishes:

  • Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with lime and cilantro is a perfect side to complement these cheesy tacos.
  • Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans are the perfect accompaniment to balance the crunchiness of the tacos.
  • Crispy Fries: Serve with some crispy fries for a full “burger and fries” experience.
  • Guacamole or Salsa: For an extra layer of flavor, serve these tacos with fresh guacamole or salsa for dipping.
  • Side Salad: A refreshing side salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs nicely with the richness of the tacos.

Final Thoughts

These Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos are a delicious, hearty twist on the classic taco that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. With the juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, every bite is packed with flavor and texture. They’re perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week.

Give them a try, and you’ll see why these Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos are destined to become your new favorite taco recipe!