Crispy Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef Recipe: A Fiesta Delight

Crispy tacos dorados with ground beef spark memories of my childhood kitchen’s vibrant energy.

Mom would carefully roll tortillas around seasoned meat, creating golden delights.

Sizzling sounds and rich aromas would fill our home with excitement.

Mexican street food traditions inspire this simple yet delicious recipe.

Crunchy exteriors give way to savory, spiced beef that delights every palate.

Each bite tells a story of culinary passion and family connection.

Dive into this delectable journey and create magic on your plate.

What Brings The Crunch In Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef Recipe

• Quick Family Feast: Perfect for busy weeknight dinners with minimal prep time and maximum flavor.
• Crispy Texture Adventure: Transforming simple ground beef into golden, crunchy tacos that deliver a satisfying crackle with every bite.
• Budget-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Affordable ingredients create a delicious meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.
• Kid-Approved Comfort Food: Simple seasoning and familiar ingredients make these tacos a hit with children and picky eaters, ensuring clean plates and happy faces.

What Goes Into Tacos Dorados With Beef

• Ground Beef: Protein-rich filling that provides hearty flavor and substance for the tacos.

• Corn Tortillas: Traditional Mexican base that holds the filling and creates crispy texture when fried.

• Ground Cumin, Chili Powder, Paprika: Warm spices that add depth and traditional Mexican flavor profile to the meat.
• Garlic Cloves: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall taste and provides subtle sharpness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing meat's natural flavors.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil for frying tortillas to achieve golden, crispy texture.

• Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and crunch to the meat filling.

• Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Salsa, Guacamole, Shredded Lettuce: Customizable garnishes that add freshness, creaminess, and additional layers of flavor to the tacos.

Tacos Dorados Using Ground Beef How To

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces.

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook until the beef is completely browned and onions become soft and translucent.

Step 2: Prepare Tortillas

Warm corn or flour tortillas in the microwave or on a griddle to make them flexible and easy to fold.

This prevents cracking when you roll the tacos.

Step 3: Fill and Fold Tacos

Spoon a generous portion of the seasoned beef mixture onto the center of each tortilla.

Fold the tortilla in half, creating a half-moon shape.

Press gently to seal the edges and keep the filling inside.

Step 4: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a large frying pan, creating about half an inch of depth.

Heat the oil over medium temperature until it shimmers slightly.

Step 5: Fry the Tacos

Carefully place the filled tacos into the hot oil.

Fry each side until they turn golden brown and become wonderfully crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Rotate them gently to ensure even browning.

Step 6: Drain and Rest

Remove the fried tacos using tongs and place them on a paper towel-lined plate.

This helps absorb excess oil and keeps the tacos crisp.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

• Sour cream
• Fresh salsa
• Homemade guacamole
• Chopped cilantro
• Crumbled queso fresco

Best Practices For Crispy Tacos Dorados

• Warm tortillas gently in the microwave or on a griddle to make them flexible and less likely to crack when folding.
• Maintain medium heat when frying to ensure golden, crispy tacos without burning or absorbing excess oil.
• Mix spices thoroughly and taste the beef mixture before filling tortillas to ensure rich, even flavor throughout.
• Fry tacos in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to soggy results.
• Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or shredded chicken for varied protein options and accommodate different dietary preferences.

Tacos Dorados: Save the Extras

• Store leftover tacos dorados in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Warm tacos at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness. Place on a baking sheet lined with foil to maintain texture.
• Reheat for 30-45 seconds, but expect softer shells. Add a paper towel to absorb moisture and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual tacos in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in refrigerator before reheating.

Tacos Dorados Companion Dishes

Pair Crispy Mexican Beef Tacos with Refreshing Companions

• Citrus Margarita Splash: Blend fresh lime juice, tequila, and a touch of triple sec to cut through the rich, crispy taco flavors and cleanse the palate.
• Cool Avocado Crema Dip: Whip creamy avocados with Greek yogurt, cilantro, and a hint of lime for a tangy, smooth sauce that complements the crunchy taco texture.
• Mexican Beer Pairing: Choose a light, crisp cerveza like Corona or Modelo Especial to balance the spicy beef and provide a refreshing contrast to the deep-fried tortillas.
• Zesty Pico de Gallo Side: Chop fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro to add bright, fresh notes that cut through the tacos' richness and provide a vibrant accompaniment.

Tacos Dorados Flavor Updates to Try

• Vegetarian Tacos: Replace ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or black beans seasoned with the same spices. Perfect for plant-based diets.
• Chicken Variation: Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken or ground chicken, maintaining the original spice blend for consistent flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make the recipe celiac-friendly and naturally gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute tortillas with large lettuce leaves for a keto-friendly version, keeping the spiced meat filling intact and reducing carbohydrate content.

FAQs

• What makes tacos dorados different from regular tacos?

Tacos dorados are folded and fried until crispy, creating a crunchy exterior that regular soft tacos don’t have. This frying process gives them a golden, crisp texture that adds extra flavor and crunch.

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives work great in tacos dorados. Just make sure to season the meat well for maximum flavor.

• How do I prevent the tacos from falling apart while frying?

Use corn tortillas and make sure they’re warm and pliable before filling. Press the edges firmly when folding, and use tongs to carefully turn them in the oil to keep them sealed.

• Are tacos dorados considered a traditional Mexican dish?

Yes, tacos dorados are a classic Mexican dish, particularly popular in central and northern Mexico. They’re often served as a street food or home-cooked meal and are loved for their crispy texture and delicious filling.

Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy golden tacos dorados with seasoned ground beef offer a mouthwatering Mexican street food experience that dances with bold flavors and satisfying crunch. Homemade corn tortillas fold around savory beef, then fry to perfection, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 12 small corn tortillas
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) shredded cheese (optional)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Aromatics and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Vegetable oil for frying

Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Shredded lettuce

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Instructions

1. Heat a skillet and sauté ground beef, disintegrating it while cooking to ensure even browning and releasing robust flavors.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into the meat, stirring continuously to distribute seasonings evenly.
3. Allow the beef mixture to cook thoroughly until meat is completely browned and onions become translucent and tender.
4. Gently warm corn tortillas using a microwave or griddle to enhance their flexibility and prevent cracking during folding.
5. Carefully place a precise portion of seasoned beef mixture onto the center of each tortilla, maintaining a balanced filling-to-tortilla ratio.
6. Fold tortillas precisely in half, creating a crescent shape, and press edges gently to seal the filling securely.
7. Pour vegetable oil into a frying pan, heating to medium temperature and ensuring sufficient depth for uniform crispiness.
8. Carefully slide prepared tacos into hot oil, frying in small batches to maintain optimal oil temperature and prevent overcrowding.
9. Cook tacos until exterior becomes golden brown and crisp, turning once to achieve even coloration and texture, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
10. Transfer fried tacos to paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain and maintaining their crisp exterior.
11. Plate tacos and accompany with fresh garnishes like tangy sour cream, vibrant salsa, and creamy guacamole for enhanced flavor complexity.

Notes

• Enhance meat flavor by sautéing onions and garlic before adding ground beef for deeper, richer taste profile.
• Choose lean ground beef (85% or 90%) to reduce excess grease and create crispier taco shells without soggy texture.
• Warm tortillas briefly to prevent cracking during folding and ensure smooth, tight seal for frying.
• Pat beef mixture dry before filling tortillas to minimize oil splattering and achieve extra-crispy golden exterior.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg