LOCOS TACOS RECIPES

Steps:

• To make the “Cool Ranch” shells, preheat oven to 325°.
• Place tomato powder and next 6 ingredients (through ranch mix) in the bowl of a food processor; pulse until well combined. Transfer spice mixture to a medium bowl. Working 1 taco shell at a time, brush the exterior of the taco shells with canola oil using a pastry brush; sprinkle the exterior of each shell evenly with the tomato powder mixture, tapping against the side of the bowl to remove any excess. As you finish coating each shell, arrange in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet.
• To make the “Nacho Cheese” shells, place cheese powder and next 7 ingredients (through garlic powder) in the bowl of a food processor; pulse until dehydrated bell pepper is ground and all ingredients are well combined. Working 1 taco shell at a time, brush the exterior of the taco shells with canola oil using a pastry brush; sprinkle the exterior of each shell evenly with the tomato powder mixture, tapping against the side of the bowl to remove any excess. As you finish coating each shell, arrange in a single layer on the same large rimmed baking sheet with the “Cool Ranch” shells.
• Bake the “Cool Ranch” and “Nacho Cheese” shells at 325° for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until lightly toasted.
• To make the taco filling, whisk together flour and next 8 ingredients in a medium bowl. Whisk in beef stock; set mixture aside.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add beef to pan; cook the beef, stirring and “chopping” with a wooden spoon to break it up, until the beef begins to brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Increase heat and stir in beef stock mixture; cook 1 minute. Stir in cheesy taco seasoning; cook stirring often until beef is cooked through and liquid has thickened. Remove from heat.
• To assemble tacos, spoon ¼ cup beef mixture into each of the 12 shells; top meat evenly with sour cream. Evenly layer lettuce, tomato, and cheese onto each taco.

Steps:

• Make the taco shells: Add the Doritos, flour, masa harina, nacho cheese powder, salt, and baking powder to a food processor. Process until the Doritos are broken down into fine crumbs. With the processor running, slowly pour in the melted lard and water. Continue processing until the dough comes together in a ball.
• Transfer the dough to a piece of plastic wrap. Shape into a disc, wrap tightly, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease 2–3 baking sheets with nonstick spray.
• Working with one dough ball at a time (keep the rest covered so they don’t dry out), place between 2 sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Use a heavy skillet to press down evenly into a thin tortilla.
• Transfer the tortilla to the griddle and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
• Transfer the cooked tortilla to a large bowl lined with a kitchen towel and cover to keep warm while you cook the rest of the tortillas. The steam will help keep them moist and soft.
• Arrange the tortillas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 3 minutes, until crisp. While still hot, carefully fold the tortillas into taco holders to set the shell shape. Dust with more nacho cheese powder. Let cool while you make the filling.
• Add the onion and garlic to a food processor and drizzle with oil. Pulse until finely minced, scraping down the sides as needed.
• Transfer the onion mixture to a large pan and sweat over medium-low heat until soft and translucent, 5– 7 minutes.
• Add the ground beef, cumin, coriander, cayenne, garlic powder, granulated onion, paprika, chili powder, beef bouillon, MSG, sugar, and salt. Stir well to combine. Increase the heat to high and use a masher or whisk to break the meat into small pieces. Cook until the beef is golden brown and caramelized, about 5 minutes.
• Deglaze the pan with ½ cup of water, stirring to scrape up any browned bits. 12. Continue cooking for about 10 minutes, until the liquid reduces.
• In a liquid measuring cup or medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and remaining 1½ cups water. Add to the beef mixture and bring to a simmer. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
• Use an immersion blender to purée about a quarter of the meat in the pan, then stir everything together.
• To assemble, spoon the meat mixture into the taco shells. Top with sour cream, shredded lettuce, cheese, and diced tomatoes.
• Serve immediately.
• Enjoy!