Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef are crispy, golden treats filled with tasty beef. They are perfect for any meal and make your taste buds dance with joy!
These crunchy tacos are so easy to make. Just fill, fry, and enjoy! I love serving them with fresh salsa—it’s like a party on my plate! 🌮✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein in the dish. You can use beef with varying fat content. I personally prefer 80/20 for the best flavor without being too greasy. For a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist.
Onion: A small onion adds flavor, but you can swap it for shallots for a milder taste. If you’re in a pinch, green onions or leeks will work too!
Spices (Cumin & Chili Powder): These spices give the tacos their signature taste. If you don’t have them, you can use taco seasoning as a substitute, or try adding paprika and a bit of garlic powder for a different flavor profile.
Corn Tortillas: These are essential for traditional tacos. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free corn tortillas. Flour tortillas also work, especially if you prefer a softer texture.
Vegetable Oil: This is used for frying. You can use canola or peanut oil for a similar frying effect. For a healthier option, try baking instead of frying!
How Can I Fry Tacos Perfectly Without Making a Mess?
Frying tacos can be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll get them crispy and golden every time!
- First, make sure the oil is hot enough. You can test it by dropping a small piece of tortilla in—if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. This keeps the temperature consistent and helps them cook evenly.
- Use a slotted spoon to turn the tacos, ensuring they get equal golden color on each side.
- Let the tacos drain on paper towels right after frying to get rid of extra oil, making them crispy and less greasy.
How to Make Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
- 12 corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
For Serving:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheese
- Salsa
- Sour cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and another 20 minutes for cooking, making a total of about 35 minutes. You’ll have delicious, crispy tacos ready to serve in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Beef:
In a large skillet, place the ground beef over medium heat. Cook until it’s nicely browned and break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, it’s time to add some flavor!
2. Adding the Aromatics:
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step allows the onions and garlic to infuse their flavors into the beef.
3. Spicing it Up:
Next, stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Keep cooking for an additional 2 minutes, mixing everything well so those delicious spices blend in with the beef. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
4. Preparing the Tortillas:
While your beef mixture cools, wrap the corn tortillas in a clean cloth or paper towel. Warm them in the microwave for about 30 seconds, so they’re soft and pliable. This step is important for folding the tacos without breaking them!
5. Assembling the Tacos:
Take a warm tortilla and place a spoonful of the beef mixture right in the center. Fold the tortilla in half to encase the filling and gently press down to secure it. Repeat this process for all the tortillas until you’ve made all your tacos!
6. Frying the Tacos:
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a small piece of tortilla in—it should sizzle!), carefully add the folded tacos in batches. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy.
7. Draining the Tacos:
Once fried, place the tacos on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This will keep your tacos nice and crispy!
8. Serving:
Time to enjoy! Serve the tacos dorados with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese on top. Don’t forget to offer salsa and sour cream on the side for dipping. Dig in and savor every crispy bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. Just remember that it might cook a little faster, so keep an eye on it to avoid drying out the meat.
What Can I Use Instead of Corn Tortillas?
If you can’t find corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas instead. Just be aware that they won’t have the same crunchy texture when fried, but they will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftover Tacos Dorados?
Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to get them crispy again.
Can I Make the Beef Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture a day in advance! Just store it in the fridge after it cools down, and then use it to fill the tortillas and fry when you’re ready to serve.
