Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef are crispy, golden treats filled with tasty beef. Each bite offers a wonderful crunch along with the delightful flavors of seasoned meat and fresh toppings!
Seriously, who can resist a taco? I love loading mine with avocado and salsa. It’s like a fiesta in every bite—just don’t forget the napkins, things can get a bit messy! 🌮😄
Making these tacos is a breeze! Just fry the tortillas, fill them up, and enjoy. Perfect for busy nights when you want something fun and delicious without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This recipe works best with ground beef for its richness. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be good substitutes. For a meat-free version, try using lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
Onion and Garlic: These ingredients add a wonderful aroma and flavor. If onion isn’t your favorite, you could skip it or use green onions instead. Chopped shallots can also provide a nice flavor. You can use garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t on hand.
Spices: Ground cumin and chili powder are key for flavor. If you’re out of chili powder, paprika mixed with a bit of cayenne could work. For a milder taste, reduce the amount of chili powder.
Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas give the best texture for tacos dorados. If you can’t find them, flour tortillas will work, but they may not crisp up as nicely. Whole-grain tortillas can also be a healthier alternative!
How Do You Fry Tacos Without Making a Mess?
Frying can be daunting, but with the right techniques, you can do it cleanly and safely! First, keep the oil at medium-high heat so the tacos fry quickly, forming a crust that helps keep the filling in.
- Use a deep, heavy skillet to contain the splatter. Choose enough oil to submerge half of the tortilla.
- Carefully fold the taco and dip it into the oil. It’s best to work in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature.
- Once golden brown (2-3 mins per side), carefully remove the tacos. Drain them on paper towels to absorb extra grease.
How to Make Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
- 12 corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
For Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Salsa (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, making a total of around 30 minutes. It’s simple and quick, perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Make sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet once the beef is nicely browned.
2. Add Onions and Garlic:
Now, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook everything together until the onions are translucent and soft, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This will add wonderful flavor to your beef filling!
3. Season the Mixture:
Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and continue cooking for another 2 minutes. This is where all the flavors come together! Once done, remove the skillet from heat.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a separate skillet, pour in about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat. You’ll want the oil hot enough to fry the tacos but not so hot that it smokes.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Take one tortilla at a time and add about 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture into the center. Fold the tortilla in half to fully enclose the filling, making sure it’s tightly packed.
6. Fry the Tacos:
Carefully place the folded taco into the hot oil. Fry it for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it turns golden brown and crispy. Remove the taco and let it drain on some paper towels to get rid of excess oil.
7. Repeat and Finish:
Continue this process until all your tacos are fried and golden. They smell amazing!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your tacos dorados hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro. Don’t forget to offer sour cream and salsa on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious tacos with family and friends!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just make sure to season it a bit more as turkey can be milder in flavor. You can use the same amount of turkey as you would beef and follow the recipe as directed.
How Do I Keep Tacos Crispy After Frying?
To keep your tacos crispy after frying, avoid stacking them on top of each other right away. Instead, place them on a wire rack or a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This helps maintain their crispiness before serving!
Can I Make These Tacos Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make these tacos vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat alternative. Just sauté the veggies with the same spices until they’re cooked through, then fill the tortillas as usual!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
If you have leftover tacos, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side, or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, to help maintain their crispiness!
