why make this recipe
Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are a fantastic meal for any day of the week. They are easy to make, flavorful, and perfect for gatherings or family dinners. The combination of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and a crispy shell creates a delicious experience that everyone will love. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite toppings, making them a versatile choice for various tastes.
how to make Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
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 frying
- Fresh cilantro, finely chopped, for garnish
Directions:
- Heat about 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon, cooking until most of the beef is browned, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Mix in the tomato paste and taco seasoning. If the filling looks dry, stir in 1/4 cup of water or beef broth. Cook until the beef is fully done and most liquid has evaporated, about 3 to 4 more minutes. Taste and add salt if needed. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- On a clean surface, lay down a tortilla. On the top half, add 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella. Spoon some beef filling over the cheese and add another 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of cheese on top. Fold the bottom half of the tortilla over the filling and press gently to seal. Repeat until you have 8 tacos.
- 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. Move fried tacos to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain. Serve while hot and crispy with fresh cilantro and your favorite dips.
how to serve Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are best served hot and fresh. You can top them with fresh cilantro, guacamole, salsa, or sour cream. These toppings add extra flavor and freshness. Serve them with a side of beans or rice for a complete meal.
how to store Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
If you have leftovers, you can store the filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, the tortillas are best when eaten fresh. If you want to store them, fill and fry them first, then let them cool completely before placing them in a container. Reheat in the oven to regain crispiness.
tips to make Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure the tacos get crispy.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or fillings depending on your preference.
- Don’t overstuff the tacos; this will make them hard to seal and fry.
variation
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option. Additionally, try adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and spice.
FAQs
1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option. Just make sure to warm them up a bit before filling.
2. How can I make these tacos spicier?
Add more taco seasoning or include chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce in the beef filling.
3. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef filling in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before filling the tacos.
Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
Ingredients
Filling
- 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
- to taste Salt
Tacos
- 8 (6 inch) taco size flour tortillas
- 2 to 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded Add according to preference.
- Avocado or for frying vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat about 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon, cooking until most of the beef is browned, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Mix in the tomato paste and taco seasoning. If the filling looks dry, stir in 1/4 cup of water or beef broth. Cook until the beef is fully done and most liquid has evaporated, about 3 to 4 more minutes. Taste and add salt if needed. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Assembly
- On a clean surface, lay down a tortilla. On the top half, add 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella. Spoon some beef filling over the cheese and add another 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of cheese on top. Fold the bottom half of the tortilla over the filling and press gently to seal. Repeat until you have 8 tacos.
Cooking
- 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.
- Move fried tacos to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain. Serve while hot and crispy with fresh cilantro and your favorite dips.
