why make this recipe
Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are a fantastic choice for a quick and tasty meal. They are easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, these tacos are sure to impress. The crispy texture combined with savory beef and gooey cheese makes for a delightful experience. Plus, they’re a hit with both kids and adults!
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, as needed
- 8 (6 inch) taco size flour tortillas
- 2 to 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Avocado or vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro, finely chopped, for garnish
Directions
- 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.
- 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.
- Mix in the tomato paste and then the taco seasoning. Stir in the water (or beef broth) if the filling appears dry. 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. 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.
- Transfer the assembled taco to a large baking sheet and repeat with the 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 of tacos to ensure that you get nicely golden brown and crispy tacos.
- Garnish tacos with fresh cilantro (optional) and serve immediately while still hot and crispy with your favorite sauce. Enjoy!
how to serve Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
Serve the Crispy Ground Beef Tacos hot off the skillet. They are perfect with a side of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. You can also add toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños for an extra kick. Make it a fun meal by letting everyone build their own tacos!
how to store Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Crispy tacos may lose some crunch when stored, so enjoy them fresh if you can!
tips to make Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
- Use lean ground beef (like 90/10) to reduce grease.
- Be sure to cook the filling until most liquid is gone for better taco assembly.
- Experiment with different cheeses! Cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend can add more flavor.
- If you like spice, try adding chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
variation
You can easily make these tacos vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with black beans or lentils. For a healthier option, use whole wheat tortillas or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb choice.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the taco filling ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the beef filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before assembling the tacos.
Q: Can I freeze the assembled tacos?
A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled but uncooked tacos. Wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Pan-fry from frozen when you’re ready to eat.
Q: What toppings do you recommend for these tacos?
A: Common toppings include sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced olives. Use whatever you love!
Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
Ingredients
Method
- 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.
- 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.
- Mix in the tomato paste and then the taco seasoning. Stir in the water (or beef broth) if the filling appears dry. Continue to cook until the beef is fully cooked through and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 3-4 minutes. Taste and season with salt if needed. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- On a clean work surface, place a tortilla. On the top half, add some mozzarella cheese (about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons). Spoon over a portion of the beef filling and top with more cheese (about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons). Fold the bottom half of the tortilla over and gently press down to seal.
- Transfer the assembled taco to a large baking sheet and repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Heat up about 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. Transfer to a wire rack placed over a baking sheet.
- Garnish tacos with fresh cilantro and serve immediately while hot.