Crispy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe

Introduction

These Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Packed with savory seasoned beef and melty mozzarella, they’re pan-fried to golden perfection for an irresistible crunch. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gatherings.

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
• Fresh cilantro, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat about 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until most of the beef is browned, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste and taco seasoning. Add water or beef broth if the mixture seems dry. Continue cooking until beef is fully cooked and most liquid evaporates, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt as needed. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Step 4: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons mozzarella cheese on the top half, add a spoonful of beef filling, then 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.
5. Step 5: Place the assembled taco on a large baking sheet. Repeat assembling the remaining tacos until all filling and cheese are used, making 8 tacos total.
6. Step 6: Heat 3-4 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the tacos in batches for about 1 minute per side or until golden brown and crispy. Use a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain after frying. Add more oil between batches if needed.
7. Step 7: Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve immediately while hot and crispy. Enjoy with your favorite sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the beef mixture before assembling the tacos.
• Use sharp cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend instead of mozzarella for a different cheesy taste.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute cooked seasoned lentils or black beans in place of ground beef.
• If you prefer corn tortillas, be gentle when folding as they are less pliable than flour tortillas.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked taco filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assembled but unfried tacos can be kept wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated for a day, but they are best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness. To reheat fried tacos, warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side to restore crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

You can prepare the beef filling and assemble the tacos ahead, but frying is best done just before serving to keep them crispy.

What can I serve with these crispy tacos?

They pair well with fresh salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a simple side of Mexican rice and beans for a full meal.

Crispy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 145 reviews

These Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are a delicious and satisfying meal featuring seasoned ground beef and melted mozzarella cheese encased in golden, pan-fried flour tortillas. The tacos are perfectly crispy on the outside while juicy and flavorful inside, making them an ideal dinner or snack option that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 tacos 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef 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
• Salt to taste, as needed

Tacos

• 8 (6 inch) flour tortillas
• 2 to 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Avocado or vegetable oil for frying
• Fresh cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook onion: Heat about 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Brown beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a large spoon to break it up and cook until most of the beef is browned, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Season beef: Stir in tomato paste and taco seasoning. If the mixture looks dry, add water or beef broth. Continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked through and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 3-4 minutes. Taste and add salt if needed. Remove from heat and allow filling to cool slightly.
4. Assemble tacos: On a clean surface, place one tortilla. Add about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons mozzarella cheese on the top half, spoon over a portion of the beef filling, then 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.
5. Repeat assembly: Place assembled taco on a large baking sheet. Repeat to make a total of 8 tacos.
6. Fry tacos: Heat 3-4 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry tacos in batches, about 1 minute per side or until golden brown and crispy. Add more oil as needed between batches. Transfer fried tacos to a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
7. Serve: Garnish tacos with fresh chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately while hot and crispy with your favorite sauce.

Notes

• Use 90/10 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and fat to keep the filling juicy.
• Adjust the amount of oil used for frying to achieve desired crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lime or some diced jalapeños when assembling tacos.
• If you want a gluten-free version, substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas but be careful when folding as some corn tortillas are less pliable.
• Leftover tacos can be reheated in a skillet to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: crispy ground beef tacos, pan-fried tacos, cheesy beef tacos, easy taco recipe, Mexican tacos