Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef are crispy and tasty! Picture golden tortillas filled with seasoned beef, all rolled up and fried until crunchy. They’re simply irresistible!
Who can say no to tacos, right? These little treasures are perfect for sharing (or not!). I love serving them with fresh salsa and avocado on top—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is your main protein. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken also works well. For a vegetarian alternative, try black beans or lentils, seasoned similarly to mimic that savory taste.
Onion & Garlic: These add great flavor. You can use yellow or white onion depending on what you have. Shallots are another tasty option if you’re looking for a milder flavor. For garlic lovers, feel free to add more than the two cloves suggested!
Spices: Ground cumin and chili powder are essential for that taco flavor. If you don’t have chili powder, mix paprika and a pinch of cayenne for heat. For a fresh touch, consider adding some chopped fresh jalapeños to the beef mixture.
Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional but if you can’t find them, flour tortillas are acceptable. Just note that they won’t have the same crunch when fried. Gluten-free tortillas can also be used if you need a gluten-free option.
How Do You Fry Tacos Perfectly?
Frying tacos to get that lovely crispy texture can be tricky, but it’s all about the right technique. Here’s how to ensure your tacos turn out golden and tasty:
- Heat oil in a pan to about 350°F (medium-high heat) — too hot can burn them, too cool can make them soggy.
- Gently place the tacos in the oil, seam side down to prevent them from opening. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. If they soak up too much oil, it’s best to dab them on paper towels.
- For a safer approach, use a splatter guard to keep the oil from popping out!
How to Make Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
For Assembling the Tacos:
- 12 corn tortillas
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Salsa and sour cream (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious taco recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and an additional 10 minutes for cooking. In a short amount of time, you can enjoy crispy and flavorful tacos with a delightful beef filling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef Filling:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook everything together until the beef is browned and the onions are soft and translucent—this should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat in the skillet, drain it away to keep your tacos nice and light.
2. Add the Spices:
Once the meat is browned, stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the spices become fragrant. This adds a wonderful flavor to your beef! Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
3. Incorporate the Cheese:
After your beef mixture has cooled down a bit, add the shredded cheese to the skillet. Stir it into the beef until it’s evenly mixed. The cheese will melt a little and make the filling extra delicious!
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put your tacos together! Heat the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or in the microwave until they are warm and soft. Take one tortilla, place about 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture on one side, and then fold it over to create that classic taco shape.
5. Fry the Tacos:
Next, grab a large frying pan and pour in about 1/2 inch of oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, carefully place the folded tacos in the pan, seam side down. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a lovely golden brown and crispy. You can fry them in batches if needed, just be careful when adding them to the oil!
6. Drain and Serve:
Once your tacos are fried, take them out and let them drain on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil. This keeps them crispy and less oily.
7. Enjoy Your Tacos!
Serve your tasty tacos dorados hot from the fryer, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro. Pair them with salsa and sour cream on the side for dipping. Enjoy every crunchy bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great substitute for beef in this recipe. Just keep in mind that they may cook a little faster, so you might want to reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes to prevent them from drying out.
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Corn Tortillas?
If you don’t have corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas instead. Just make sure to warm them up as directed in the recipe so they don’t crack when you fold them. If you prefer a gluten-free option, check for gluten-free tortillas at your local store!
How to Store Leftover Tacos Dorados?
Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid using the microwave as it can make them soggy.
Can I Make the Beef Mixture in Advance?
Yes, you can definitely prepare the beef mixture ahead of time! Simply cook it as directed, let it cool, and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to make the tacos, just reheat the mixture before assembling!
