Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef Recipe

Crispy Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef Recipe: Family Favorite

Crispy tacos dorados dance with savory ground beef, promising a mouthwatering Mexican delight that will spark excitement at your dinner table.

Authentic flavors burst from each golden, crunchy bite, inviting you to experience a classic comfort dish.

Corn tortillas wrapped around seasoned meat create a perfect handheld treat that feels like a celebration.

Traditional techniques merge with simple ingredients to craft something truly spectacular.

Spices weave magic through tender beef, promising a meal that connects you to rich culinary heritage.

Fresh toppings add brightness and crunch, making each taco a mini flavor adventure.

You won’t be able to resist these irresistible crispy delights that bring pure joy to the table.

Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef – Crispy, Flavorful Bites

  • Craft a Delightful Dessert: Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings with layers of crunchy graham cracker crust, soft spiced apples, and creamy caramel goodness.
  • Create Stunning Individual Servings: Mason jar or dessert cup presentation makes this recipe impressive for gatherings, parties, or casual family desserts without complicated plating.
  • Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows quick variations like adding nuts, changing spices, or adjusting sweetness levels to match personal preferences and dietary needs.
  • Quick and Simple Preparation: Minimal cooking skills required with straightforward steps that deliver gourmet-style dessert without professional pastry training or complex techniques.

Gather These For Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that serves as the primary filling for the tacos dorados.
  • Corn Tortillas: The essential base that will be folded and fried to create the crispy taco shell.
For the Seasonings and Spices:
  • Cumin, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika: Spices that add depth and authentic Mexican flavor to the beef filling.
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Oregano: An herb that contributes a subtle earthy note to the meat mixture.
For the Additional Flavor Ingredients:
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide a rich and savory base for the beef filling.
  • Tomato Sauce, Salsa: Moisture-rich ingredients that help bind the filling and add tangy complexity.
  • Vegetable Oil: The cooking medium used for frying the tortillas and tacos to achieve a crispy texture.
For the Toppings:
  • Lettuce, Queso Fresco, Sour Cream, Salsa, Avocado, Pickled Jalapenos, Radishes: Fresh and zesty ingredients that add color, texture, and additional layers of flavor to the finished tacos.

Building Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef Easily

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until it turns rich brown. Add finely chopped onions and crushed garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

Sprinkle in these exciting spices:
  • Cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Oregano
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Pour tomato sauce or salsa into the mixture, letting everything simmer and blend for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Warm Tortilla Magic

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Quickly warm each corn tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until they become flexible.

Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Craft the Taco Shape

Scoop a small amount of beef mixture onto each tortilla.

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

Step 5: Crisp and Golden Transformation

Carefully fry the filled tacos in batches, flipping occasionally until they turn golden and achieve a satisfying crunch (approximately 2-3 minutes per side).

Let them drain on paper towels to remove extra oil.

Step 6: Dress and Serve

Top your crispy tacos with a vibrant combination of:
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Crumbled queso fresco
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh salsa
  • Sliced avocado
  • Pickled jalapeños or radishes

Serve hot and enjoy immediately!

Tips For Golden, Crunchy Tacos Dorados Every Time

  • Choose high-quality ground beef with moderate fat content for juicier, more flavorful filling.
  • Pat beef dry before cooking to ensure proper browning and prevent watery texture.
  • Use corn tortillas for authentic taste and better crisp when frying; warm them slightly before filling to prevent cracking.
  • Control oil temperature around 350°F for perfect golden-brown tacos without absorbing excess grease.
  • Experiment with protein alternatives like shredded chicken, pulled pork, or plant-based crumbles for dietary variations.

Creative Add-Ins For Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef

  • Chicken Fiesta Dorados: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken, add bell peppers and corn for extra flavor and texture.
  • Vegetarian Black Bean Crunch: Swap beef with black beans and roasted vegetables, incorporate Mexican-style spices for robust taste.
  • Pork Verde Dorados: Use ground pork with green salsa, mix in roasted green chiles for a tangy southwestern profile.
  • Seafood Baja Style: Substitute beef with seasoned white fish or shrimp, top with cabbage slaw and lime crema for coastal freshness.

Top Sides To Pair With Tacos Dorados Tonight

  • Taco Bar Extravaganza: Create a DIY taco station with colorful toppings like fresh pico de gallo, crumbled cotija cheese, lime wedges, and homemade salsa verde. Let guests customize their crispy beef tacos with an array of vibrant garnishes.
  • Family-Style Platter Party: Arrange the golden tacos on a large wooden board, nestled alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, and a zesty corn salad. Drizzle with crema and sprinkle fresh cilantro for a stunning centerpiece that invites sharing.

Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef – Save Some For Lunch

  • Store leftover beef filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer cooked beef mixture to freezer-safe containers or bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Keep assembled but unfried tacos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before frying.
  • If you have leftover fried tacos, place them in a single layer on a wire rack. Cover loosely with foil and store in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Reheat in a hot oven to restore crispiness.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned similarly for maximum flavor.

  • Are corn tortillas necessary for this recipe?

Corn tortillas are traditional and provide authentic texture, but you can use flour tortillas if corn isn’t available. Corn tortillas crisp up better and hold the filling more authentically.

  • How do I prevent my tacos from falling apart while frying?

Ensure tortillas are slightly warmed and pliable before filling. Don’t overstuff, seal edges gently, and use tongs carefully when turning to maintain structural integrity.

  • What's the best way to keep tacos crispy after frying?

Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, and serve immediately. Place on a wire rack in a warm oven if you need to hold them briefly before serving.

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Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef Recipe

Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef Recipe


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4.5 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mexican Tacos Dorados with ground beef deliver a crispy, golden delight packed with savory flavor. Crunchy corn tortillas cradle seasoned meat, offering a perfect balance of texture and zest you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce or salsa
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking it into small crumbles.
  2. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
  4. Pour tomato sauce or salsa into the skillet, allowing the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes to develop rich, deep flavors.
  5. Warm vegetable oil in a separate large skillet over medium heat, creating a shallow frying environment.
  6. Quickly pass corn tortillas through the hot oil for approximately 30 seconds per side, rendering them flexible without becoming crisp.
  7. Transfer softened tortillas to paper towels to absorb excess oil, then cool slightly for easier handling.
  8. Place a measured portion of seasoned beef filling along the center of each tortilla, carefully folding to create a half-moon shape.
  9. Gently lower filled tortillas into the hot oil, frying until edges turn golden brown and crispy, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
  10. Remove tacos using tongs, allowing excess oil to drain on fresh paper towels.
  11. Arrange crispy tacos on serving plates, garnishing with shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco, dollops of sour cream, fresh salsa, sliced avocado, and pickled jalapenos or radishes.
  12. Serve immediately while tacos maintain their crisp texture and warmth.

Notes

  • Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding hot sauce for heat lovers or reducing for mild palates.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for leaner or vegetarian alternatives that maintain similar flavor profiles.
  • Prevent tortillas from breaking during frying by ensuring they’re slightly warm and not cold, which increases flexibility and reduces cracking risk.
  • Use a shallow pan with minimal oil to reduce greasiness while achieving crispy golden texture, ensuring even browning without excessive absorption.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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