Velvet Taco Copycat Recipe: Make Restaurant-Quality Tacos at Home Easily

I’ve always loved the unique flavors of Velvet Taco, but craving their signature taco at home seemed impossible—until now. This copycat recipe captures all the deliciousness, letting me enjoy my favorite Velvet Taco anytime.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll find this recipe easy and fun to make. From the perfectly seasoned beef to the fresh toppings, every bite will remind you of that memorable Velvet taste.

Ingredients

Taco Shell Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup warm water

Beef Filling Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Toppings Ingredients

• 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
• 1/2 cup diced ripe tomatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup tangy sour cream
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Follow these steps to recreate Velvet Taco’s delicious flavors right in your kitchen. Each part is straightforward, ensuring a satisfying cooking experience.

Prepare the Shell

1. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
2. Add Liquids: Gradually add 3/4 cup warm water and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
5. Shape the Shells: Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin circle, approximately 6 inches in diameter.
6. Cook the Shells: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each shell for about 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly browned and crispy. Set aside.

Cook the Beef Filling

1. Prepare the Beef: In a bowl, season 1 pound ground beef with 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and salt to taste.
2. Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned, about 7-8 minutes.
3. Add Aromatics: Stir in 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Simmer the Filling: Add 1/4 cup beef broth and 1 tablespoon tomato paste to the skillet. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Assemble the Taco

1. Layer the Beef: Spoon a generous amount of the beef filling onto each prepared shell.
2. Add Toppings: Top the beef with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
3. Finish with Salsa: Drizzle your favorite salsa over the toppings for an extra kick of flavor.
4. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your homemade Velvet Taco immediately while the shells are crispy and the fillings are warm.

Tools and Equipment

To create the perfect Velvet Taco at home, having the right tools and equipment makes all the difference. Here’s what I use in my kitchen to master this copycat recipe:

Essential Tools

• Mixing Bowls
• Multiple sizes for preparing dough and mixing fillings.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for consistent flavor.
• Whisk and Spatula
• For blending dough and stirring the beef filling smoothly.
• Rolling Pin
• To roll out the taco dough evenly for perfectly shaped shells.
• Taco Press or Baking Sheet
• If you have a taco press, it streamlines the shell-making process. Otherwise, a baking sheet works just as well.
• Skillet or Frying Pan
• Essential for browning the ground beef and cooking the taco shells to crispy perfection.
• Saucepan
• To simmer the beef filling and blend the flavors thoroughly.
• Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board
• For chopping fresh vegetables and toppings efficiently and safely.
• Oven or Stovetop
• Depending on your preferred method for cooking the taco shells and beef filling.

Optional but Helpful

• Food Processor
• Speeds up the chopping of vegetables if you’re preparing a large batch.
• Parchment Paper
• Makes transferring and cleaning up easier when baking taco shells.
• Tongs
• Handy for flipping taco shells and handling hot pans safely.
• Serving Platters
• Present your tacos beautifully with the right serving dishes.

Quick Reference Table

Make Ahead Instructions

Preparing components of the Velvet Taco in advance ensures a seamless assembly and a delightful meal whenever you’re ready. Here’s how I streamline the process:

Taco Shells

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gradually add 3/4 cup warm water, mixing until a dough forms.
2. Knead and Rest: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. Roll and Cook: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook each shell until golden and crispy, about 2 minutes per side.
4. Cool and Store: Allow the shells to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Beef Filling

1. Season the Beef: In a bowl, mix 1 pound ground beef with 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and salt to taste.
2. Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 7 minutes.
3. Add Aromatics: Stir in 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Simmer: Pour in 1/2 cup beef broth and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Cool and Refrigerate: Let the filling cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Fresh Toppings

1. Prepare Ingredients:

• Lettuce: Shred 2 cups of fresh lettuce.
• Tomatoes: Dice 1 cup of ripe tomatoes.
• Onions: Finely chop 1/2 cup of red onions.

1. Store Separately: Place each topping in separate airtight containers or zip-top bags.
2. Refrigerate: Keep the toppings refrigerated for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.

Storage Guidelines

Tips and Tricks

Mastering the Velvet Taco copycat recipe is all about refining each component to perfection. Here are my top tips to ensure your tacos are as delicious as the original:

Achieving Crispy Taco Shells

A crispy shell is the foundation of a great taco. Follow these steps for the perfect crunch:

1. Preheat Your Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes.
2. Brush with Oil: Lightly brush the rolled dough with vegetable oil on both sides.
3. Cook the Shell: Place the dough in the skillet, pressing gently. Cook for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. Cool Properly: Transfer the shell to a wire rack immediately to maintain crispness.

Perfectly Seasoned Beef Filling

The beef filling should be rich and flavorful. Here’s how to get it just right:

• Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

• Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef: Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
2. Add Spices: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer: Add a splash of beef broth and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.

Fresh and Vibrant Toppings

Using fresh ingredients makes all the difference. Here are some tips for your toppings:

• Lettuce: Finely shred crisp lettuce to add a refreshing crunch.
• Tomatoes: Dice ripe tomatoes uniformly for consistent texture.
• Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack for a tangy, melty finish.
• Salsa: Choose a homemade salsa to control the spice and ensure freshness.

Assembling Like a Pro

To keep your tacos from getting soggy, follow these assembly tips:

1. Layer Strategically: Start with the beef filling, then add lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and finish with salsa.
2. Serve Immediately: Assemble the tacos just before serving to maintain the shell’s crispness.
3. Use Fresh Toppings: Ensure all toppings are freshly prepared to enhance the overall texture and flavor.

Make-Ahead Tips

Preparing components in advance can save time without compromising quality:

Reheating Taco Shells

To bring your taco shells back to their crunchy best:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Place the shells on a baking sheet and heat for 5 minutes.
3. Check Crispness: Ensure they are warmed through and crispy before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

Customize your Velvet Tacos to suit your taste with these variations:

• Protein Options: Substitute ground beef with shredded chicken or turkey for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian: Use black beans or lentils as a hearty, plant-based filling.
• Spice Level: Increase the chili powder or add sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

Conclusion

Making Velvet Tacos at home has been a fun and rewarding experience for me. There’s something special about crafting each component from scratch and seeing the flavors come together just right. I hope you enjoy creating and savoring these tacos as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your own twists and make the recipe truly yours. Happy cooking!