Crispy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe
Introduction
Crispy ground beef tacos are a delicious twist on a classic favorite, featuring a flavorful beef filling sealed inside golden, crispy tortillas with melted cheese. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or fun gathering, these tacos are easy to prepare and full of taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pound 90/10 ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth, as needed
- Salt to taste
- 8 (6 inch) flour tortillas
- 2 to 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Avocado or vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat about 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a large spoon and cook until most of the beef is browned, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste and taco seasoning. If the mixture seems dry, add water or beef broth as needed. Continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 3 to 4 minutes. Taste and add salt if needed. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Step 4: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. On the top half, sprinkle about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese. Spoon some beef filling over the cheese, then add another 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of cheese on top. Fold the bottom half of the tortilla over the filling and gently press to seal.
- Step 5: Place the assembled taco on a large baking sheet. Repeat assembling the remaining tacos until all tortillas, cheese, and filling are used.
- Step 6: Heat 3 to 4 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the tacos in batches, about 1 minute per side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Add more oil between batches if needed.
- Step 7: Garnish the crispy tacos with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy with your favorite sauce.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of lime juice or a pinch of smoked paprika to the beef mixture.
- You can swap mozzarella for cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend for a different cheesy taste.
- If you prefer a milder taco, reduce the amount of taco seasoning or use a mild blend.
- Use corn tortillas instead of flour for gluten-free options, but handle carefully as they can be more fragile when frying.
Storage
Store leftover crispy tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes to help them regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture crunchy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the beef filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the beef filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before assembling the tacos.
What oil is best for frying these tacos?
Avocado oil or vegetable oil works well because they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor, which helps achieve a crispy taco without burning.
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Crispy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos (4 servings) 1x
Description
These Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are a delicious and satisfying meal featuring seasoned ground beef cooked with onions and tomato paste, layered with melted mozzarella cheese inside flour tortillas, and pan-fried until golden and crispy. Perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together, these tacos combine savory beef filling with a crispy shell and melty cheese for an irresistible flavor and texture combination.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound 90/10 ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth, as needed
- Salt to taste
- 8 (6 inch) taco size flour tortillas
- 2 to 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Avocado or vegetable oil for cooking
- Fresh cilantro, finely chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the onions: Heat about 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a large spoon to break it up and cook for about 4-5 minutes until most of the meat is browned.
- Season the beef mixture: Stir in tomato paste and taco seasoning. Add water or beef broth if the mixture appears dry. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the liquid mostly evaporates. Season with salt as needed. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Assemble the tacos: Place a tortilla on a clean work surface. Spread about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella on the top half of the tortilla. Spoon a portion of the beef filling over the cheese, then top with another 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of cheese. Fold the bottom half of the tortilla over the filling and gently press to seal.
- Prepare all tacos: Repeat the assembly with remaining tortillas, beef filling, and cheese, making a total of 8 tacos.
- Fry the tacos: Heat 3-4 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. In batches, pan-fry the tacos for about 1 minute per side or until golden brown and crispy. Add more oil between batches if needed. Transfer cooked tacos to a wire cooling rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Garnish the crispy tacos with fresh chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately while hot and crispy with your favorite sauces. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use 90/10 ground beef for optimal flavor and lower fat content.
- Adjust taco seasoning amount to taste or use homemade seasoning.
- If preferred, substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas but note they are more delicate for folding and frying.
- Use avocado oil or vegetable oil for frying due to their high smoke points.
- To keep tacos warm before serving, place them in a low oven (around 200°F) on a baking sheet after frying.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in a skillet to maintain crispiness.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lime or diced fresh tomatoes as toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: crispy tacos, ground beef tacos, pan-fried tacos, cheesy tacos, homemade tacos, taco recipe
