Del Taco Hack (Beef Tacos at Home)
Can’t get to a Del Taco drive-thru? No problem. This fast-food hack brings you the bold, beefy flavor of Del Taco’s classic crunchy tacos—right at home. We’re talking seasoned ground beef, shredded cheddar, crisp lettuce, and a signature sauce, all tucked into a crispy taco shell that hits just like the real deal.
It’s a quick, nostalgic, and wildly satisfying way to bring your favorite taco night treat into your kitchen—no drive-thru required. So cook it already!
Why You’ll Love This Del Taco Hack
Fast and craveable – ready in under 20 minutes
That signature Del Taco taste – seasoned beef, cheddar, and sauce perfection
Budget-friendly – cheaper than the drive-thru, feeds a crowd
Easy to customize – add hot sauce, sour cream, or even go “Del Combo” style
Ingredients
For the meat:
1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
Splash of water
For the tacos:
8 taco shells
1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Diced tomatoes (optional, but OG)
Hot sauce (Del Scorcho if you got it—or your fave)
How to Make the Del Taco Hack
1. Brown the Beef. Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and break it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
2. Season Like a Pro. Add all the spices plus a splash of water to help the flavor soak in. Simmer for 5 minutes until the beef is saucy but not soggy.
3. Assemble the Glory. Get your taco shell, scoop in the beef, pile on shredded lettuce, cheddar, diced tomatoes, and finish with your favorite hot sauce. (Or use unused left over packets from Del Taco LOL)
Pro Tips:
Simmer the beef long enough for flavor to develop—don’t rush it
Use freshly shredded cheese for that melty, Del Taco-style bite
Make your own taco shells by frying small corn tortillas until crisp
Add hot sauce or a spicy crema for a flavor kick
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Kitchen Tools We Recommend
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet (10.25-Inch): Ideal for browning beef and locking in flavor. Buy on Amazon
Spring Chef Ground Meat Chopper: Makes breaking up ground beef in the skillet a breeze. Buy on Amazon
OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Mixing Bowl Set: Non-slip, nesting bowls for easy prep and cleanup. Buy on Amazon
Victorinox 8-Inch Chef’s Knife: Affordable, razor-sharp blade for slicing lettuce, tomatoes, and more. Buy on Amazon
Totally Bamboo Cutting Board: Durable surface for prepping taco toppings and spices. Buy on Amazon
Measuring Spoons Set: Stainless steel spoons that don’t fade or warp. Buy on Amazon
Winco Stainless Steel Taco Holder Set: Holds your tacos upright for easy assembly. Buy on Amazon
Ingredients We Recommend
McCormick Ground Cumin (1.5 oz): Adds warm, earthy flavor to your taco meat. Buy on Amazon
Simply Organic Chili Powder (2.89 oz): Clean, flavorful spice blend without fillers. Buy on Amazon
Crunchy Taco Shells (12 count): Classic taco shell with a satisfying crunch. Buy on Amazon
Tillamook Farmstyle Thick Cut Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds richness. Buy on Amazon
Valentina Hot Sauce (12.5 oz): A flavorful alternative if you can’t find Del Scorcho. Buy on Amazon
Insight on Del Taco
Before we hacked it in your kitchen, Del Taco was born out of SoCal cravings. Back in 1964, a guy named Ed Hackbarth opened the very first Del Taco in Yermo, California—a tiny desert town off the highway. His goal? Serve up fast Mexican food with an American twist. Tacos, fries, and burgers—why not all three?
By the 1970s, Del Taco was exploding across the West Coast, slinging cheap tacos and crinkle-cut fries to late-night diners, road-trippers, and basically anyone with a hunger for something bold, fast, and just a little messy.
What made Del Taco stand out? They didn’t just do tacos. They leaned into everything—burgers, burritos, fries, milkshakes—and did it all in one place. It was the ultimate “have it your way” spot before that was even a thing.
Fast forward to today, and Del Taco’s still holding it down with that same mix of classic beef tacos, massive burritos, and iconic sauces like Del Scorcho and Del Inferno.
Now, instead of hitting the drive-thru, you’re bringing the flavor home.
FAQs
What makes this like Del Taco?
The seasoning blend and texture of the meat are key—plus the combo of cheddar, iceberg lettuce, and crispy shell. It's all about that nostalgic drive-thru vibe.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Just adjust the seasoning and fat content if needed.
What’s the difference between Del Taco and Taco Bell tacos?
Del Taco uses a more straightforward, beefy flavor and real cheddar cheese with less intense seasoning than Taco Bell.