Crispy ground beef tacos have a way of turning an ordinary dinner into a vibrant fiesta. Growing up, these tacos were a staple in our household, bringing flavor and excitement to our plates. There’s nothing quite like the crunch of a perfectly fried tortilla bursting with savory beef, gooey cheese, and fresh toppings. With just a handful of ingredients and simple techniques, you can easily create a delicious meal that will please everyone in the family. Let’s dive into how to make these delightful tacos that are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick to make: Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Flavor-packed: A delightful blend of beef and spices.
- Crispy texture: Perfectly fried tortillas deliver satisfying crunch.
- Customizable: Top with your favorites—salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
- Family-friendly: Great for kids and adults alike.
“These tacos are always a hit at our gatherings!”
How This Recipe Comes Together
Making crispy ground beef tacos is a straightforward process. Start by sautéing onion and ground beef until the beef is nicely browned. Then mix in tomato paste and taco seasoning, adding a splash of water to keep the filling moist. After cooling, spoon the filling into tortillas along with cheese, fold, and fry until crispy. A few simple steps lead to a mouthwatering meal!
What You’ll Need
- 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, (as needed)
- 8 (6 inch) taco size flour tortillas
- 2 to 3 cups mozzarella cheese, (shredded)
- Avocado or vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro, (finely chopped, garnish)
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Ground Beef: Lean beef (like 85/15) can be used, but a bit more fat will result in richer flavor.
- Onion: Red onion or shallots can be substituted for a different flavor profile.
- Taco Seasoning: Store-bought works, but homemade is fresher and can be tailored to your taste.
- Broth vs. Water: Use broth for a deeper flavor, but water is a great stand-in if you don’t have any.
How to Make It
Making crispy ground beef tacos is simple and satisfying. Here’s how you do it:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, add the ground beef. Use a large spoon to break it up and cook until most of it is browned, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and taco seasoning. If the filling appears dry, add the water or beef broth, and cook until fully combined and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt to your taste. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- On a clean work surface, lay down a tortilla. In the top half, sprinkle about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of mozzarella cheese. Spoon a portion of the beef filling over the cheese and 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.
- Place the assembled taco on a large baking sheet and repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, beef filling, and cheese.
- Heat about 3-4 tablespoons of oil in the skillet over medium heat. In batches, pan-fry the tacos for about 1 minute on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the tacos to a wire cooling rack placed over a baking sheet. If necessary, add more oil between batches.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy while still hot and crispy!
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the tacos, or they may become soggy instead of crispy.
- Fry in batches to prevent crowding the pan, which can lead to uneven cooking.
- If you prefer softer tacos, you can bake instead of frying, but the crunchiness will be sacrificed.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These crispy ground beef tacos are delicious on their own but can be elevated with some great pairings. Serve them with an array of toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or guacamole. A side of beans or Mexican rice complements the meal perfectly.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To store leftovers, let the tacos cool completely, then wrap them in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet on low heat until warmed through to maintain some of that crispy texture.
Common Fixes
- Dry Filling: If the beef filling is dry, add a bit more water or broth while cooking to moisten it.
- Soggy Tacos: Make sure the tortillas are sealed well and fry in hot oil to prevent sogginess.
- Flavorless Filling: Adjust the seasoning with additional taco seasoning or salt; tasting is key!
Creative Twists
Feel like mixing it up? Consider these variations for your tacos:
- Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños into the meat mixture for added heat.
- Cheese Swap: Use pepper jack or cheddar cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef with black beans or lentils, maintaining seasoning for flavor.
Your Questions Answered
Can I make these tacos in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the beef filling ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just assemble and fry the tacos right before serving for the best texture.
What toppings go well with crispy ground beef tacos?
Common toppings include salsa, guacamole, diced onions, cilantro, and sour cream. Get creative with your favorites!
Can I bake the tacos instead of frying them?
Yes! For a healthier option, you can bake the assembled tacos at 400°F until the tortillas are crispy, typically 10-15 minutes.
Crispy ground beef tacos are not just a dinner choice; they’re an occasion waiting to happen. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or a casual family meal, these tacos bring the flavor and fun to the table. Enjoy every crunchy bite!
Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
Ingredients
Method
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until most of it is browned, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and taco seasoning. If the filling looks dry, add the water or beef broth, cooking until fully combined and most liquid has evaporated, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt to taste and remove from heat.
- Let the mixture cool slightly.
- On a clean work surface, lay down a tortilla and sprinkle about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of mozzarella cheese on the top half.
- Spoon a portion of the beef filling over the cheese and 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.
- Place the assembled taco on a baking sheet and repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, beef filling, and cheese.
- Heat 3-4 tablespoons of oil in the skillet over medium heat. In batches, fry the tacos for about 1 minute on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the tacos to a wire cooling rack placed over a baking sheet. Add more oil if needed between batches.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy while still hot and crispy!