Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef Recipe

The Golden Crispy Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef Recipe

Crispy tacos dorados with ground beef bring a burst of mexican street food magic right to your kitchen.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this golden, crunchy delight that sparks memories of neighborhood gatherings.

Corn tortillas curl and crisp around seasoned meat, creating a delectable handheld feast.

Spices dance through each bite, promising a flavor explosion that tingles your taste buds.

Simple ingredients combine to craft something extraordinary, turning an everyday meal into a celebration.

Packed with robust flavors and irresistible texture, these tacos will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and create a dish that connects you directly to authentic mexican culinary traditions.

Ingredients for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A protein-rich base that provides hearty flavor and texture for the tacos.
  • Corn Tortillas: Traditional Mexican flatbread that serves as the crispy wrapper for the filling.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that add depth and savory notes to the ground beef.
  • Cumin, Chili Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spices that create a robust and complex flavor profile for the meat filling.
Cooking and Serving Components:
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the tacos to achieve a golden and crispy exterior.
  • Shredded Lettuce, Cheese, Salsa, Sour Cream: Optional toppings that add freshness, creaminess, and additional flavor to the tacos.

How to Make Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

How to Make Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Grab a skillet and warm it over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles with a spatula.

Cook until the meat turns a rich, deep brown color and no pink remains visible.

Step 3: Spice Up the Filling

Sprinkle in your favorite spices:
  • Cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together and let the spices mingle for 2-3 minutes, creating a mouth-watering meat mixture.

Step 4: Prepare for Frying

Heat vegetable oil in a separate skillet, aiming for about half an inch of depth.

Warm corn tortillas in another pan to make them flexible and easy to fold.

Step 5: Assemble Taco Shells

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

Carefully fold the tortilla in half, pressing the edges to seal the filling inside.

Step 6: Create Crispy Goodness

Carefully lower the filled tacos into the hot oil.

Fry them in small batches, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and become wonderfully crisp.

Step 7: Drain and Rest

Transfer the fried tacos to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain their crunchiness.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Plate your crispy tacos and top with your favorite toppings:
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Crumbled cheese
  • Fresh salsa
  • Creamy sour cream

Tips for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

  • Remove as much grease as possible from ground beef to prevent soggy tacos and reduce unnecessary calories.
  • Select fresh, thick corn tortillas that won't break during folding and frying, ensuring a crispy, intact taco shell.
  • Maintain medium-high heat around 350°F to achieve golden-brown, crunchy tacos without burning or absorbing too much oil.
  • Press tortilla edges firmly with a fork or spatula to prevent filling from leaking during frying, creating a perfect sealed pocket.
  • Fry tacos in small batches to maintain consistent oil temperature and ensure even, crispy browning on all sides.

Variations for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

  • Chicken Taco Crunch: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker, lighter protein option.
  • Vegetarian Veggie Rolls: Swap beef for black beans, diced bell peppers, and corn for a plant-based alternative that's packed with flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Crispy Wraps: Use corn tortillas (naturally gluten-free) and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Lean Protein Power: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or lean ground chicken to reduce fat content while maintaining the classic taco texture.

Serving Ideas for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

  • Fiesta Plate Perfection: Arrange the crispy tacos dorados on a colorful platter surrounded by fresh toppings for a stunning presentation.
  • Family-Style Feast: Spread toppings in small bowls so everyone can customize their tacos with lettuce, cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
  • Fresh Side Kick: Pair with Mexican-style rice, black beans, or a zesty cilantro-lime salad to complete the delicious meal.
  • Dipping Delight: Prepare extra salsa, guacamole, and crema on the side for guests who love additional sauces and flavor boosters.

Storage Tips for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

  • Seal cooled tacos dorados in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange tacos on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy edges return.

FAQs

  • What are tacos dorados?

Tacos dorados are crispy, golden-fried tacos filled with seasoned meat, typically made by folding tortillas around a savory filling and frying them until they become crunchy and golden brown.

  • Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses ground beef, you can easily substitute it with shredded chicken, pork, or even vegetarian options like beans or tofu for a delicious variation.

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

To keep the tacos sealed, use a toothpick to secure the edges before frying, or press the edges firmly with a fork to create a tight seal that prevents the filling from spilling out.

Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef: A Crispy Delight

  • Quick and Crispy Delight: These tacos dorados offer a perfect crunch that transforms simple ground beef into a mouthwatering meal with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings, this recipe adapts easily to different taste preferences and can be customized with various toppings.
  • Flavor-Packed Comfort Food: Packed with robust spices like cumin and chili powder, these golden-fried tacos deliver a satisfying flavor explosion that feels like a warm culinary hug.
  • Simple Ingredients, Big Taste: Using basic pantry staples and ground beef, this recipe proves you can create restaurant-quality Mexican-inspired dishes right in your own kitchen without complicated techniques.
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Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef Recipe

Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef Recipe


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4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Mexican crispy tacos dorados with ground beef blend savory spices and crunchy textures for an authentic meal. Homemade tortillas filled with seasoned meat create a delightful dinner you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Tortilla Ingredients:

  • 12 small corn tortillas

Spices and Seasonings:

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

Aromatic Ingredients:

  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Cooking and Topping Ingredients:

  • Vegetable or canola oil for frying

Garnish Ingredients:

  • Shredded lettuce
  • Grated cheese
  • Salsa or pico de gallo
  • Sour cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it down with a spatula while cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
  3. Drain excess grease from the meat, then season with cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
  4. Allow meat mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, developing rich flavor profiles.
  5. Warm corn tortillas in a separate pan until slightly pliable and flexible, preventing cracking during filling.
  6. Carefully spoon seasoned beef mixture onto one half of each tortilla, ensuring even distribution.
  7. Fold tortillas in half, pressing edges gently to create a sealed pocket containing the beef filling.
  8. Heat approximately 1/2 inch of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F for optimal frying temperature.
  9. Carefully place filled tacos into hot oil, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
  10. Remove tacos using tongs, allowing excess oil to drain on paper towel-lined plate.
  11. Garnish with fresh shredded lettuce, crumbled cheese, homemade salsa, and dollop of cool sour cream before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains delicious flavor.
  • Use fresh corn tortillas and warm them slightly before filling to prevent cracking during frying, ensuring a perfect crispy texture.
  • Control oil temperature around 350°F for even browning and prevent tacos from becoming greasy or soggy.
  • Prep all toppings beforehand for quick assembly and serve immediately after frying to keep tacos extra crisp and hot.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 230 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 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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