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If you love tacos, try making Homemade Taco Shells.  They are so simple to make and taste great with your taco ingredients.

Taco Shells stacked on a serving platter
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My family loves tacos of any kind. I love to make tacos because it is easy and I can sneak all kinds of vegetables in those tacos and the kids never know it.

Tacos are even better with these restaurant style homemade taco shells. Make this Fried Tacos Recipe or Grilled Shrimp Tacos with these taco shells.

Why Make This Recipe

It is fun to put out a topping bar and let everyone grab what they want.  This always works great for parties and everyone always seems to really enjoy it.

Plus, it is frugal and a simple way to feed a large amount of people. Everyone seems to love tacos and this can quickly and easily feed a crowd.

Ingredients

Homemade Taco Shells Ingredients - corn tortillas, oil
  • Store-Bought Corn Tortillas
  • Oil for frying (vegetable oil, canola, or any high smoke point oil)

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Step by Step Instructions

  • Step 1 – Prepare Tortillas: Warm refrigerated tortillas to room temperature or slightly in the microwave or on a skillet. Non-refrigerated tortillas are ready to use as is.
Placing corn tortillas in hot oil in a cast iron skillet
  • Step 2 – Skillet Frying: Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet to medium-high heat (approximately 350°F).
Flipping corn tortilla in the oil in the cast iron skillet with tongs
  • Step 3 – Fry Tortilla – Fry each tortilla for 10 seconds, then flip over medium heat.
Folding taco shell in half while in the cast iron skillet in oil
  • Step 4 – Fold in Half – Fold in half to form a taco shell shape and fry each side until crispy (about 1-2 minutes).

Recipe Tips

  • Deep Frying: Fill a deep fryer or pot with 2-3 inches of oil and heat to 350°F. Submerge a tortilla, fold using tongs or a taco shell mold, and fry for 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy.
  • Drain: Remove the taco shell from the oil and place on paper towel.
  • Cool: Let shells cool for a few minutes before serving.
  • Tortilla: Make sure before placing tortilla in a hot skillet, make sure it is at room temperature.
Homemade Taco Shells on a platter

Taco Topping Ideas

The crunchy taco shells taste great with all of your favorite taco toppings. Make it a taco night and fill these taco shells with Ground Beef Taco Meat or Shredded Chicken Taco and your favorite toppings.

  • Shredded Cheese
  • Sour Cream
  • Onion
  • Tomato
  • Salsa
  • Avocado
Homemade Tacos Shells stacked on a platter

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Store Leftovers

Store your leftover airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to week.

Can I Freeze

After preparing the homemade taco shells, they should not be frozen. The texture of the taco shells will not stay crispy. You can freeze the corn tortillas prior to frying the hard taco shells.

Can I Use Flour Tortillas?

Flour tortilla is a great option, the texture will be a little different but they will still have great flavor.

Can I Make Ahead?

Yes, you can make ahead of time but make sure to store at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to one week.

More Quick and Easy Main Dish Recipes

If you make this Homemade Taco Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.

How to make Homemade Taco Shells

5 from 11 votes
Learn how to make these delicious and Homemade Taco Shells.  They are so simple to make and these homemade taco bowls taste great and are budget friendly.
Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 9 minutes
Servings 6
Cuisine Mexican
Course Main Course
Calories 56

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Place 3 corn tortillas in a microwave and heat up for about 20 seconds so they are pliable and will bend without breaking.
  • Flip over the cupcake pan.
  • Spray both sides of the corn tortillas and push into the pan to form a “star” bowl, like you can see in the picture above.
  • Bake in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Allow to cool slightly on oven rack and then fill with your favorite taco ingredients!
  • You can use paper towels if needed while cooling.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

You can save so much money by making your own homemade taco bowls at home. No need to buy those prepackaged ones at the store. These taste way better and save you money.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 56kcal, Carbohydrates 11g, Protein 1g, Sodium 11mg, Potassium 48mg, Fiber 1g, Calcium 21mg, Iron 0.3mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

5 from 11 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Nancy A lane says:

    5 stars
    Appreciate ALL the recipes. The videos are always good. Thanks.

  2. Carrie says:

    I’m glad you loved it!

  3. Barbara says:

    5 stars
    Yum,yummy thank you for the recipe ?

  4. Gordon Wagner says:

    What is the name of your web page template, please, and where did you find it? Thank you!!

  5. Louise Beard says:

    Enjoy these good recipes so much !….Keep em coming !!!#