📖 Instructions

1. Prep the Jalapeños: Carefully slice the jalapeños lengthwise, remove the seeds and membranes (for less heat), and dice them finely. Remember to wear gloves, if you have sensitive skin, to avoid irritation!
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease – nobody likes greasy tacos!
3. Add Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Incorporate Jalapeños and Cream Cheese: Stir in the diced jalapeños and cream cheese into the ground beef mixture. Continue cooking until the cream cheese is melted and fully combined, creating a creamy sauce. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes.
5. Season Generously: Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Adjust the seasoning to your preference – taste and add more spice if needed!
6. Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it's completely melted and the mixture is gooey and cheesy. This is the best part, right?
7. Warm Taco Shells (Optional): If desired, warm the taco shells according to package instructions. You can also warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, or in a dry skillet over medium heat. Be careful not to burn them!
8. Assemble the Tacos: Fill each taco shell with the jalapeño popper ground beef mixture. Don't overfill them, or you'll have a mess on your hands!
9. Add Toppings: Top your tacos with your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and chopped cilantro. Get creative and make them your own!
10. Serve Immediately: Serve the tacos immediately while they're warm and the cheese is melted and gooey. Enjoy every bite of these flavorful and satisfying tacos!
11. Serve and Enjoy! Finally, serve your jalapeño popper ground beef tacos immediately and relish in the explosion of flavors. They're perfect for a weeknight dinner, a party, or any occasion where you want to impress with a unique and delicious twist on classic tacos. What a way to spice things up!