Easy Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef Recipe

Crispy Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef Recipe: A Fiesta Favorite

Crispy ground beef tacos dorados dance with vibrant flavors that will spark your culinary adventure.

Layers of golden-fried tortillas cradle seasoned meat in a delightful Mexican-inspired feast.

Mexico’s beloved street food brings excitement to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Crunchy exteriors give way to tender, spiced filling that promises pure satisfaction.

Each bite combines rich beef and zesty seasonings in perfect harmony.

Minimal ingredients and simple techniques make this dish accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

You can master these delectable tacos and impress everyone at the dinner table with your newfound cooking prowess.

What Makes Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef So Flavorful

  • Conquer Weeknight Dinner: This ground beef taco recipe saves precious minutes with simple ingredients and quick cooking steps that transform ordinary ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal.
  • Master Mexican-Inspired Comfort: Crispy golden shells packed with seasoned beef deliver authentic flavors that transport your taste buds straight to a traditional kitchen without complicated techniques.
  • Customize with Ease: Top these tacos with favorite garnishes like fresh lettuce, tangy cheese, creamy sour cream, and zesty salsa, making it perfect for personalized family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Crunchy exterior and flavorful meat guarantee even picky eaters will clean their plates, turning mealtime into a stress-free and enjoyable experience.

Ingredients for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful meat that serves as the primary filling for the tacos.
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and savory notes to the beef mixture.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Cumin, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: Spices that create a warm, slightly spicy flavor profile for the ground beef.
Taco Components:
  • Corn Tortillas: Traditional Mexican flatbread that provides the crispy base for the tacos.
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the tacos to achieve a golden and crispy exterior.
Toppings:
  • Lettuce, Cheese, Sour Cream, Salsa: Fresh and creamy garnishes that add texture, coolness, and additional flavor to the tacos dorados.
  • Toothpicks: Small kitchen tool used to secure the folded tortillas during frying.

How to Make Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

Step 1: Brown Beef Mixture

In a large skillet, combine ground beef, finely chopped onions, and minced garlic. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking the meat into small crumbles until it’s completely browned and no pink remains.

Step 2: Season the Filling

Add the following spices to the beef mixture:
  • Ground cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly and create a rich, flavorful filling.

Step 3: Prepare Tortillas

Gently warm corn tortillas in a separate skillet or griddle to make them soft and flexible.

This prevents cracking when folding.

Step 4: Assemble Crispy Tacos

Place a spoonful of seasoned beef mixture in the center of each warm tortilla.

Carefully fold the tortilla in half, creating a half-moon shape. Secure the edge with a toothpick to keep the filling inside during frying.

Step 5: Fry Tacos to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan. Carefully place the assembled tacos into the hot oil, cooking until each side turns a crispy, golden brown.

Step 6: Drain and Garnish

Remove tacos from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with fresh toppings.

Tips for Crispy Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

  • Swap ground beef with shredded chicken or plant-based crumbles for alternative protein options that keep the dish versatile and exciting.
  • Use corn tortillas at room temperature and slightly moistened to prevent cracking during folding and frying, ensuring perfect crispy tacos every time.
  • Control oil temperature between 350-375°F for golden, crunchy tacos without absorbing excess grease, creating a light and crisp texture.
  • Prepare toppings in advance like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and crumbled queso fresco to make serving quick and easy, allowing guests to customize their plates.
  • Store leftover fried tacos on a wire rack instead of paper towels to maintain crispiness and prevent soggy bottoms, preserving the delicious crunch.

Variations to Enjoy with Tacos Dorados

  • Chicken Tacos Dorados: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken for a lighter protein option.
  • Vegetarian Bean Tacos: Swap ground beef for black beans or lentils, adding extra spices for depth of flavor.
  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Use large lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a carb-conscious alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Corn Tortilla Option: Ensure corn tortillas are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.

Serving Suggestions for Tacos Dorados

  • Crispy Family Feast: Serve these golden tacos as a fun weekend dinner where everyone builds their own plate with toppings they love.
  • Fiesta Appetizer Platter: Slice tacos into bite-sized pieces, arrange on a large platter with colorful garnishes for party guests to enjoy.
  • Lunch Box Surprise: Pack cooled tacos in lunch containers with separate compartments for salsa and sour cream, creating a delicious midday meal.
  • Mexican Movie Night: Pair these crunchy tacos with homemade guacamole and cold Mexican beer for a perfect casual dinner experience.

Storage Tips for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

  • Store leftover tacos dorados in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crispiness.
  • Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore original crunchiness.
  • Place on a baking sheet and warm in oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes if air fryer is unavailable.

FAQs

  • What are tacos dorados?

Tacos dorados are crispy, deep-fried tacos filled with meat, typically folded in half and cooked until golden and crunchy.

  • Why use corn tortillas for this recipe?

Corn tortillas hold up better during frying and provide an authentic Mexican flavor compared to flour tortillas.

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe and provides similar texture and taste.

  • How do I prevent the tacos from opening during frying?

Secure the tortillas with toothpicks before frying to keep the filling inside and maintain the taco’s shape during cooking.

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Easy Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef Recipe

Easy Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef Recipe


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4.7 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Mexican tacos dorados with ground beef offer a crispy, golden delight packed with savory flavors. Crunchy tortillas embrace seasoned meat, creating a perfect handheld meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Aromatics and Garnish:

  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Shredded lettuce (for serving)
  • Shredded cheese (for serving)
  • Sour cream (for serving)
  • Salsa (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Sauté ground beef with finely diced onions and minced garlic in a skillet over medium-high heat until meat is completely browned and crumbly.
  2. Incorporate cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
  3. Gently warm corn tortillas on a griddle or skillet for 10-15 seconds on each side to enhance flexibility and prevent cracking.
  4. Place a measured portion of seasoned beef along the center of each tortilla, carefully folding into a half-moon shape and securing edges with wooden toothpicks.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F, ensuring enough depth to submerge tacos partially.
  6. Carefully slide toothpick-secured tacos into hot oil, frying for 2-3 minutes per side until exterior turns deep golden brown and develops a crisp texture.
  7. Transfer fried tacos to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crunchiness.
  8. Plate tacos and generously top with shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco, dollops of tangy sour cream, and fresh salsa for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, lighter taco filling.
  • Ensure tortillas are warm and flexible before filling to prevent cracking during frying.
  • Pat beef mixture dry before filling tortillas to prevent oil splattering and achieve crispier results.
  • Experiment with alternative proteins like shredded chicken or plant-based crumbles for dietary variations.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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