Double Decker Tacos

There’s something truly magical about taco night in our home, and these Double Decker Tacos are a family favorite that always brings smiles to the table. The combination of a soft tortilla wrapped around a crispy shell, all loaded with seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, and fresh toppings, creates a delightful crunch with every bite. This recipe is special to me because it’s not just a meal; it’s a chance to gather my loved ones, share stories, and savor the little moments. Plus, it's so versatile—everyone can customize their own taco just the way they like it! Join me on this delicious adventure, and let’s make some unforgettable memories together.

What is Double Decker Tacos?

Double Decker Tacos are a fun twist on traditional tacos that combines two taco styles into one delicious bite! They start with a soft flour tortilla that’s smeared with refried beans, which then wraps around a crispy taco shell filled with seasoned ground beef. This combo is topped with all the fresh fixings you love, like cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, sour cream, and guacamole. What makes these tacos special is how the soft shell helps hold everything together, making them easier to eat without making a mess. Plus, if you’re looking for a meatless option, you can swap in melted cheese and beans for the beef. It’s a crowd-pleaser that lets you customize each taco to your liking!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef • 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning mix (I like McCormick) • 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans (Amy's Organic is a great choice) • ⅔ cup water • 12 prepared crisp taco shells (Old El Paso works well) • 2 avocados • 1 tablespoon sour cream (Daisy Brand is my go-to) • 1 fresh lime • Salt and black pepper to taste • 12 (7 inch) flour tortillas (Mission or Tortilla Land) • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (Kraft is always reliable) • 1 cup shredded lettuce • 1 large tomato

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Skillet • Small saucepan • Baking sheet • Bowl • Knife • Cutting board • Spoon • Oven

Recipe Card

Double Decker Tacos

Course Dinners

Cuisine Mexican

Difficulty Easy

Servings 6 Servings

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Calories 1035 Kcal

Enjoy Double Decker Tacos, a tasty blend of soft and crispy tortillas filled with beef and fresh toppings. Customize your perfect bite!

Ingredients

• • 1 pound ground beef
• • 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning mix (I like McCormick)
• • 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans (Amy's Organic is a great choice)
• • ⅔ cup water
• • 12 prepared crisp taco shells (Old El Paso works well)
• • 2 avocados
• • 1 tablespoon sour cream (Daisy Brand is my go-to)
• • 1 fresh lime
• • Salt and black pepper to taste
• • 12 (7 inch) flour tortillas (Mission or Tortilla Land)
• • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (Kraft is always reliable)
• • 1 cup shredded lettuce
• • 1 large tomato

Instructions

• Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef and sprinkle with about 3/4 of a 1-ounce packet of taco seasoning. Stir and break it up until browned and crumbly, about 10 to 15 minutes. Drain excess grease.
• Step 2: In a small saucepan, mash 16 ounces of refried beans with ⅔ cup of water and sprinkle with the remaining taco seasoning. Heat over low until simmering.
• Step 3: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Place 12 crisp taco shells on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes.
• Step 4: For the guacamole, peel and mash 2 avocados in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of sour cream, juice from 1 fresh lime, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
• Step 5: To assemble the tacos, spread about 2 tablespoons of heated refried beans on each of the 12 flour tortillas.
• Step 6: Carefully wrap each tortilla around a crisp taco shell.
• Step 7: In each crisp shell, add about 2 tablespoons of the cooked ground beef.
• Step 8: Top with about 2 tablespoons of shredded Cheddar cheese.
• Step 9: Add shredded lettuce, a sprinkle of chopped tomato, and chopped red onion on top.
• Step 10: Finish with a dollop of sour cream and guacamole. This is the last step. Enjoy your tacos!

How to make Double Decker Tacos

Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef and sprinkle with about 3/4 of a 1-ounce packet of taco seasoning. Stir and break it up until browned and crumbly, about 10 to 15 minutes. Drain excess grease. Step 2: In a small saucepan, mash 16 ounces of refried beans with ⅔ cup of water and sprinkle with the remaining taco seasoning. Heat over low until simmering. Step 3: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Place 12 crisp taco shells on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes. Step 4: For the guacamole, peel and mash 2 avocados in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of sour cream, juice from 1 fresh lime, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside. Step 5: To assemble the tacos, spread about 2 tablespoons of heated refried beans on each of the 12 flour tortillas. Step 6: Carefully wrap each tortilla around a crisp taco shell. Step 7: In each crisp shell, add about 2 tablespoons of the cooked ground beef. Step 8: Top with about 2 tablespoons of shredded Cheddar cheese. Step 9: Add shredded lettuce, a sprinkle of chopped tomato, and chopped red onion on top. Step 10: Finish with a dollop of sour cream and guacamole. This is the last step. Enjoy your tacos!

Some Tips

- Warm the taco shells in the oven before filling them; it adds a nice crunch and keeps everything together. - Don’t be shy with the toppings! Load them up with your favorites for extra flavor and fun. - If you're short on time, use pre-seasoned ground beef or even rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.

How To Store Leftovers

To store any leftovers of these delicious Double Decker Tacos, I like to separate the components. Keep the hard taco shells in one container, and the fillings (like the ground beef, beans, and toppings) in another. This way, the shells stay crisp! Just pop everything in the fridge, and they should be good for about 3 to 4 days. When you're ready to eat, you can reheat the fillings in the microwave or on the stove, and assemble your tacos fresh!

What To Eat With?

These Double Decker Tacos are fantastic with a side of Mexican rice or some zesty corn salad! You could also serve them with tortilla chips and salsa for a fun crunch. Don’t forget a refreshing margarita or some agua fresca to sip on!

Can I use lentils or another plant-based protein instead of ground beef for a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes, lentils or crumbled tempeh work great as a beef substitute! Just season them with taco seasoning and cook until heated through. Enjoy your vegetarian tacos!

Can I prepare the taco filling in advance and store it for later use?

Yes, you can prepare the taco filling ahead of time! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, then reheat before serving. Enjoy!

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas, and if so, do I need to make any adjustments to the cooking process?

Yes, you can use corn tortillas! Just warm them slightly longer to prevent cracking, and they may need less filling due to their smaller size. Enjoy!

What kitchen tools or equipment can I use if I don’t have a skillet or saucepan to prepare this recipe?

You can use a large pot for the beef and a microwave-safe bowl for the refried beans. A baking dish can replace the baking sheet for warming taco shells.

Can I use a different type of cheese or omit it altogether for a dairy-free version of these tacos?

Yes, you can use a dairy-free cheese or omit it entirely for a delicious dairy-free version! Enjoy!

Conclusion

And there you have it – delicious Double Decker Tacos that are super easy to make! Perfect for sharing with friends and family. Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to pass the recipe along!