Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef are crispy treats filled with tasty seasoned meat. They’re like little golden pockets of happiness that are perfect for lunch or dinner!
You can’t go wrong with these crunchy delights. I love adding fresh toppings like lettuce and salsa for a perfect bite. Plus, they make awesome leftovers (if you have any)! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the tacos. You can use lean ground beef for a healthier option, or even swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist. For a plant-based approach, crumbled tofu or lentils can work well, too!
Onion: A small onion adds great flavor, but you could use shallots or green onions if you have them on hand. For a milder taste, try using sweet onions or skip the onion altogether.
Cheese: I love using a blend of cheddar and Mexican cheese for this recipe. If you’re dairy-free, opt for a plant-based cheese or skip it altogether. Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor if you like!
Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas are classic, but if you can’t find them, flour tortillas work as well. You can also make homemade tortillas if you’re feeling adventurous!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens the dish. If you’re not a fan, chives or parsley can be a good substitute. Omit it if you prefer.
How Do I Fry Tacos Perfectly Without Making a Mess?
Frying can be tricky, but with some care, you can achieve perfectly crispy tacos. Always make sure the oil is hot before adding the tacos—this helps them cook evenly and gets them crispy. Use a thermometer for best results; aim for about 350°F.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet until shimmering. If you don’t have a thermometer, a wooden chopstick or skewer will help: dip it in the oil, and if bubbles form around it, the oil is ready.
- Fry the tacos in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can make the oil cool down.
- Use tongs to carefully flip the tacos halfway through cooking; this ensures both sides get golden brown and crispy.
- Let the tacos cool on paper towels to soak up excess oil. This keeps them from becoming soggy.
How to Make Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar or Mexican blend)
For the Tacos:
- 12 corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Garnishing and Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, avocado slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take you about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the filling and about 20 minutes cooking and frying the tacos. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Filling:
In a large skillet, heat a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Next, add in the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it up as you cook it. Continue cooking until it’s browned all over, about 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until you smell the wonderful spices.
2. Combine with Cheese:
Once the beef mixture is done cooking, remove the skillet from heat and let it cool slightly. Then, stir in the shredded cheese until it’s fully mixed in with the beef.
3. Prepare the Tortillas:
Now, heat a separate skillet over medium heat. Warm each corn tortilla for about 10-15 seconds on each side. This helps make them pliable and easier to fold without breaking.
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Take a generous spoonful of the beef mixture and place it on one half of each tortilla. Fold the tortilla over to create a taco shape, making sure not to overfill it!
5. Fry the Tacos:
In a deep skillet, heat enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom over medium-high heat. Carefully add the folded tacos to the hot oil. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy on one side, then carefully flip them and fry the other side for another 2-3 minutes. When they are nicely browned, remove them and drain on paper towels.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Your tacos dorados are ready! Serve them warm, garnished with chopped cilantro, and accompany them with lime wedges. Feel free to add any optional toppings you like, such as sour cream, salsa, or avocado slices. Enjoy your tasty tacos!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly since poultry cooks faster than beef. Make sure to cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What’s the Best Way to Keep Tortillas from Cracking?
Warming the corn tortillas in a skillet before folding is key to preventing cracking. If you’re making a large batch, wrap the warm tortillas in a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm and pliable until you’re ready to fill and fry them.
How to Store Leftover Tacos Dorados?
To store leftovers, place cooled tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up without frying again. Avoid the microwave as it can make the tortillas soggy!
Can I Freeze the Beef Filling?
Yes! The beef mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using. You can make fresh tacos dorados or serve the filling in other ways like in burritos or on nachos!
