Crispy, golden-brown tacos sizzling in a hot skillet evoke memories of festive gatherings and savory indulgence. This recipe for Crispy Ground Beef Tacos takes about 30 minutes to prepare, and the key to its success lies in the perfect blend of spices coupled with a crispy tortilla shell.
These tacos are perfect for family weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, or even satisfying late-night cravings. You can make the beef filling ahead of time, and it stores well in the fridge for up to three days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The seasoned ground beef provides a delectable, savory flavor in every bite.
- Crispy tortillas create a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the juicy filling.
- Quick to prepare, this recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish.
- It’s easily customizable with various toppings to suit different tastes.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious tacos:
For the Filling
- 1 lb 90/10 ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth, as needed
- Salt to taste, as needed
For the Tacos
- 8 (6 inch) taco size flour tortillas
- 2 to 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Avocado or vegetable oil, for frying
For garnish
- Fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Ground beef can be replaced with ground turkey.
- Mozzarella can be swapped for cheddar cheese.
- Flour tortillas may be substituted with corn tortillas.
- Fresh cilantro can be omitted or replaced with green onions.
How to Make It
Start with these simple steps to create your tacos.
1. Heat oil
Heat some oil (about 1 tablespoon) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the onions and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Brown beef
Next, add in the beef. Use a large spoon to break up the beef and cook until most of the beef is browned, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Add flavors
Mix in the tomato paste and then the taco seasoning. Stir in the water (or beef broth) if the filling appears dry and continue to cook until the beef is fully cooked through and most of the cooking liquid has evaporated, about 3-4 minutes. Taste the filling and season with salt, if needed.
4. Assemble tacos
Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly before assembling tacos. On a clean work surface, place down a tortilla. On the top half of the tortilla, add some mozzarella cheese (about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons). Spoon over a portion of the beef filling and top with some more cheese (about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons). Fold the bottom half of the tortilla over the filling and gently press down to seal.
5. Fry tacos
Transfer assembled tacos to a large baking sheet and repeat with remaining beef filling, cheese, and tortillas for a total of 8 tacos. Heat up some oil (about 3-4 tablespoons) in a large skillet over medium heat. In batches, pan-fry the tacos for about 1 minute per side or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire cooling rack placed over a baking sheet. If needed, add a little more oil in between frying the batches to ensure that you get nicely golden brown and crispy tacos.
6. Garnish and serve
Garnish tacos with fresh cilantro (optional) and serve immediately while still hot and crispy with your favorite sauce. Enjoy!
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, due to the tortilla’s texture.
Reheat: In a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef is cooked to 160°F for optimal safety.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying; it helps maintain the crispiness.
- Feel free to add extra cheese in-between the layers for a cheesier taco experience.
- Let the filling cool slightly before assembling to prevent soggy tortillas.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside fresh guacamole and salsa for a flavor explosion.
- Pair with a light salad to balance the meal.
- Enjoy with chilled beverages for a perfect taco night.
