By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on July 19, 2023 | Last Updated on November 16, 2023
Jack in the Box tacos is a unique twist on classic Mexican street food. Since the early 1950s, Jack in the Box has been serving tacos. The taco has a longer history in Mexico than the arrival of Europeans. They’re great for a quick meal or snack and have become an icon of fast food culture.
This post will show you how to make them at home, how they taste, and more. Continue reading to learn all there is to know about Jack in the Box tacos!
What is jack in the box taco?
Jack in the Box tacos is a fast-food version of Mexican street food. The tacos at Jack in the Box are made with a hard-shell, U-shaped tortilla encasing a ground beef filling and topped with shredded lettuce, taco sauce, and one slice of American cheese.
What does it taste like?
Jack in the Box tacos has a crispy shell that gives way to a savory ground beef filling topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. The mild taco sauce adds a hint of sweetness to the tacos. All these flavors combine to create a delicious and satisfying snack or meal.
How did I first get introduced to the jack in the box taco?
In San Diego, the fast food restaurant Jack In The Box was established in 1951, and their taco was introduced three years later, in 1954, so it’s likely that you have enjoyed them at some point in your life. If not, then you can find them at most Jack in the Box locations. And I had enjoyed one on a Mexican street.
How to make jack in the box taco?
A few straightforward steps are required to make a Jack in the Box taco. You only need a crispy taco shell, ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and mild taco sauce. Follow these steps to make your own Jack in the Box tacos at home.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp plain chili powder
- 1 tbsp masa corn flour
- 1 tsp Accent seasoning
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cups cold water
- 1 dash of cayenne pepper
- 6 slices American cheese
- 1 dash of ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3/4 tsp mild taco sauce
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp sugar
Taco Shell (Per serving)
- 1 stone-ground corn tortilla
Directions:
Step 1
Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F.
Step 2
Over medium heat, cook the ground beef in a large skillet until no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
Step 3
In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, masa corn flour, Accent seasoning, all-purpose flour, cold water and cayenne pepper until smooth and pour it into the skillet with ground beef mixture. Stir everything together and simmer for 5 minutes or until thickened.
Step 4
Divide the beef mixture equally among 6 taco shells and place on a greased baking sheet lined with foil paper or parchment paper. Top each taco shell with one slice of American cheese and sprinkle some ground black pepper over them; bake in preheated oven for 8 minutes until cheese is melted and taco shells are lightly browned.
Step 5
In a small bowl, mix together the tomato paste, mild taco sauce, salt, garlic powder, cumin, sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Simmer for about 3 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6
Remove tacos from oven and top with lettuce, tomatoes and prepared sauce; serve immediately.
Tips
– You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a healthier version of this dish.
– Add more cayenne pepper or chili powder to the mixture if you want a spicier version of this dish.
– If the mixture is too thick, add an additional tablespoon of cold water and stir well.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Jack in The Box Taco Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Oven
- 1 small bow
- 1 tablespoon
- 1 tablespoon
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 teaspoons mild taco sauce infusing the dish with a zesty and tangy flavor adding a hint of spice and a touch of acidity that complements the other ingredients.
- 4 teaspoons salt providing a balanced and well-seasoned taste to the dish enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients and ensuring a deliciously seasoned final result.
- 2 lbs ground beef providing a hearty and flavorful base for this savory dish offering a rich and meaty texture that forms the foundation of the recipe.
- 2 tablespoons plain chili powder adding a robust and smoky flavor to the dish infusing it with a delightful combination of spices that give it a warm and slightly spicy kick.
- 2 cups cold water providing the necessary liquid to create a flavorful and well-balanced sauce allowing the ingredients to meld together and develop a cohesive taste.
- 2 dashes of cayenne pepper adding a hint of heat and a subtle spiciness to the dish elevating its flavor profile and giving it a tantalizing kick.
- 12 slices American cheese contributing a smooth and creamy element to the recipe creating a rich and velvety sauce that envelops the other ingredients, adding a comforting and indulgent touch.
- 2 dashes of ground black pepper providing a mild spiciness and a subtle earthy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish adding depth and complexity.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour serving as a thickening agent helping to create a luscious and smooth consistency in the dish, ensuring a satisfying texture in each bite.
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste offering a concentrated burst of tomato flavor adding a tangy and slightly sweet element to the dish, enriching the overall taste profile.
- 2 tablespoons masa corn flour lending a distinct corn flavor and a smooth velvety texture to the dish, enhancing its authenticity and adding depth to the overall taste experience.
- 2 teaspoons Accent seasoning a flavor enhancer that brings out the natural savory notes of the ingredients intensifying their taste and creating a more pronounced and well-rounded flavor profile.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder adding a savory and aromatic essence to the dish imparting a robust garlic flavor that enhances the overall taste experience.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin offering a warm and earthy aroma adding a distinct depth of flavor and a touch of smokiness to the recipe, enriching its overall profile.
- 2 teaspoons sugar providing a subtle sweetness that balances the flavors in the dish helping to round out the taste and mellow any sharp or acidic notes.
Instructions
- Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F.
- Over medium heat, cook the ground beef in a large skillet until no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, masa corn flour, Accent seasoning, all-purpose flour, cold water and cayenne pepper until smooth and pour it into the skillet with ground beef mixture. Stir everything together and simmer for 5 minutes or until thickened.
- Divide the beef mixture equally among 6 taco shells and place on a greased baking sheet lined with foil paper or parchment paper. Top each taco shell with one slice of American cheese and sprinkle some ground black pepper over them; bake in preheated oven for 8 minutes until cheese is melted and taco shells are lightly browned.
- In a small bowl, mix together the tomato paste, mild taco sauce, salt, garlic powder, cumin, sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Simmer for about 3 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove tacos from oven and top with lettuce, tomatoes and prepared sauce; serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 taco
Calories: 271
Total fat: 14.2g
Saturated fat: 6.3g
Cholesterol: 48mg
Sodium: 807mg
Carbohydrates: 23.9g
Fiber: 2.7g
Protein 11.8g
What to serve with jack in the box taco?
This dish pairs nicely with various sides, such as Spanish rice, refried beans, chopped lettuce and tomatoes for salad, and corn or flour tortillas. You can also add any other preferred toppings on top of the tacos.
How to store leftover jack in the box taco ?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can consume jack in the box taco as long as it is cooked properly and all ingredients are pasteurized.
FAQs
What is jack in the box taco?
Jack in the box tacos is a popular fast food item consisting of ground beef, chili powder, masa corn flour, and other spices, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla.
Is jack in the box taco healthy?
Jack in the Box tacos can be healthier than other fast food items. They contain protein, vitamins, and minerals, such as calcium and iron, while being relatively low in calories. Keep portions small and avoid adding high-fat toppings to keep your meal healthy.
Can I make my own jack in the box taco at home?
Yes, you can easily make your own Jack in the Box tacos at home with a few simple ingredients. All that is needed is a crispy taco shell, ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and mild taco sauce. Follow these steps to get started!
Wrapping Up
I appreciate your reading. We hope this article’s instructions for making Jack in the Box tacos were useful to you. Follow the tips and advice above if you want a tasty, easy-to-make taco dish.
Please leave your comments below. Also, share this article if you found it helpful. Thanks for reading once again!
Please share your experience in the comments below. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Happy Cooking!
Sharing is Caring!
You Might Also Like These Recipes!
- Oatmeal Cookie | Herbalife shake recipes
- Aunt jemima mexican cornbread recipe
- CONCHITAS CON CARNE (MEXICAN BEEF & SHELLS SOUP)
Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
