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