Perfect Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef Recipe

Crispy Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef Recipe: A Fiesta Delight

Crispy ground beef tacos dorados bring a burst of authentic mexican flavor to your dinner table.

Crunchy tortillas wrap around seasoned meat, creating a delightful contrast of textures.

Golden-brown edges promise a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Family meals become extraordinary when these delectable treats land on the plate.

Spices dance through the filling, promising a memorable culinary experience.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly magical.

You’ll want to savor every single crispy, flavor-packed morsel of this irresistible dish.

Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef Overview

  • Elevate Weeknight Dinners: Transform ordinary ground beef into a crispy, flavor-packed meal that breaks the monotony of routine cooking.
  • Quick Family Crowd-Pleaser: Customize toppings to suit every family member's taste, making mealtime fun and interactive for everyone.
  • Master Authentic Mexican Technique: Learn the art of creating perfectly golden, crunchy tacos that capture the essence of traditional street food with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Utilize affordable ingredients like ground beef and basic spices to create a restaurant-quality dish that won't strain your wallet.

Ingredients for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the base of the taco filling.
Aromatic Ingredients:
  • Onions, Garlic: These classic aromatics add depth and richness to the beef mixture.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Cumin, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: A balanced combination of spices that brings warmth and complexity to the ground beef.
Taco Components:
  • Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas that will be folded and fried to create crispy tacos dorados.
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the tacos to achieve a golden and crispy exterior.
Optional Toppings:
  • Lettuce, Cheese, Salsa: Fresh and flavorful garnishes that add color, texture, and extra taste to the finished tacos.

How to Make Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

Step 1: Sizzle The Beef

Brown ground beef in a hot skillet over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break down the meat into small, even crumbles as it cooks.

The beef should look crumbly and no longer pink.

Step 2: Boost The Flavor

Add these ingredients to the skillet:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic
  • Ground cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together and cook until onions become translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Warm The Tortillas

Soften corn tortillas in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This makes them more pliable and easier to fold without cracking.

Step 4: Fill And Fold

Spoon the seasoned beef mixture onto one half of each tortilla. Carefully fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape.

Secure each taco with toothpicks to prevent them from unfolding during frying.

Step 5: Crisp And Golden

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the folded tacos into the hot oil. Fry each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become crispy.

Step 6: Drain And Garnish

Remove tacos from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Top with fresh toppings like:
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Crumbled queso fresco
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Fresh salsa
  • Sour cream

Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

  • Pre-warm tortillas in the microwave to prevent cracking when folding and ensure they stay pliable during frying.
  • Remove excess moisture from ground beef to achieve crispier, non-greasy tacos that hold their shape perfectly.
  • Use corn tortillas for authentic flavor and better structural integrity compared to flour tortillas when creating crispy tacos.
  • Secure folded tacos with toothpicks before frying to prevent them from opening and spilling filling during cooking.
  • Pat cooked tacos with paper towels immediately after frying to remove excess oil and maintain a light, crispy texture without feeling heavy or greasy.

Flavor Variations for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

  • Chicken Crispy Tacos: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken breast for a lighter protein option, seasoned with same spices.
  • Vegetarian Black Bean Tacos: Swap ground meat with seasoned black beans, adding extra cumin and chili powder for robust flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Corn Tortilla Version: Use 100% corn tortillas instead of flour, ensuring safe option for gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Alternative: Replace tortillas with large lettuce leaves, creating a carb-conscious version of crispy tacos while maintaining original spice profile.

Serving Suggestions for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

  • Fiesta Finger Food: Slice tacos into bite-sized pieces for easy party snacking, perfect for game nights or casual gatherings.
  • Taco Bar Extravaganza: Set up a DIY station with the crispy tacos, varied toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and fresh herbs, letting guests customize their plates.
  • Family-Style Platter Presentation: Arrange golden tacos on a large wooden board, garnish with colorful toppings, creating an Instagram-worthy spread that encourages sharing and conversation.
  • Lunch Box Delight: Pack cooled tacos in compartmentalized containers with separate compartments for toppings, making a fun and portable meal for kids or adults.

Storage Advice for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

  • Store leftover tacos dorados in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crispiness.
  • Refrigeration helps preserve the beef filling's flavor and texture.
  • Keep toothpicks in place to maintain the taco shape during storage.

FAQs

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

Use toothpicks to secure the edges before frying, ensuring they stay closed and crispy during cooking.

  • Can I use corn or flour tortillas?

Corn tortillas are traditional and recommended for authentic tacos dorados, as they crisp up better and hold the filling more effectively.

  • What's the best way to avoid soggy tacos?

Pat the ground beef mixture dry before filling tortillas and ensure oil is hot enough (around 350°F) when frying to create a crisp exterior.

  • How can I make the tacos healthier?

Use lean ground beef, bake instead of fry, and add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers to the beef mixture for more nutrition.

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Perfect Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef Recipe

Perfect Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef Recipe


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4.5 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Mexican street-style tacos dorados with ground beef showcase crispy corn tortillas filled with seasoned meat and topped with fresh garnishes. Crunchy, flavorful, and simple to prepare, these tacos bring authentic Mexican flavors you can easily enjoy at home.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
  • 12 corn tortillas

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Aromatics and Garnishes:

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Oil for frying
  • Lettuce, for serving
  • Cheese, for serving
  • Salsa, for serving
  • Sour cream, for serving

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef in a sizzling skillet over medium-high heat, methodically crumbling the meat to ensure even cooking.
  2. Incorporate finely diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant. Sprinkle in aromatic cumin, vibrant chili powder, and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Warm corn tortillas until pliable, creating a soft canvas for the savory meat filling.
  4. Carefully distribute the seasoned beef mixture along the center of each tortilla, then fold into a half-moon shape, securing edges with toothpicks to prevent unraveling.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet to 350°F, creating a golden frying environment for the tacos.
  6. Gently lower prepared tacos into the hot oil, frying for 2-3 minutes per side until achieving a crisp, amber-brown exterior.
  7. Transfer crispy tacos to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crunchiness.
  8. Plate the golden tacos and garnish with fresh shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco, tangy salsa, and a dollop of cool sour cream.

Notes

  • Warm tortillas gently to prevent cracking and make folding easier for perfectly crispy tacos.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, lighter filling without compromising flavor.
  • Experiment with corn or flour tortillas, depending on dietary preferences or desired texture – corn provides more authentic crunch while flour offers softer bite.
  • Prep toothpicks beforehand to quickly secure tortillas and prevent unraveling during frying, ensuring uniform golden-brown exterior.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 292 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 280 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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