Name: Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 12 corn tortillas; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; Oil for frying; Lettuce, cheese, salsa, sour cream (for serving)

Are you ready to indulge in one of Mexico’s most beloved dishes? Crispy, golden, and filled with flavorful ground beef, Tacos Dorados are a mouthwatering experience you need to try. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step to make perfect Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to Mexican cuisine, this recipe will deliver a meal so delicious that your friends and family will keep asking for more. Read on to discover how to prepare these delightful crunchy tacos and make your next meal memorable!

What Are “Tacos Dorados”?

Tacos Dorados, also known as “Golden Tacos,” are tortillas that are filled, rolled, and then fried to a crispy perfection. The outer shell is crunchy and golden brown, while the inside is filled with savory ingredients such as ground beef, shredded chicken, or mashed potatoes. Unlike traditional soft tacos, Tacos Dorados stand out for their satisfying crunch and rich flavor. In this recipe, we will be focusing on Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef, a classic and beloved variation of this popular Mexican dish.

Ingredients List for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

Before we dive into the preparation process, let’s gather all the ingredients needed for your Tacos Dorados. These ingredients are simple and can be found at your local grocery store.

1 pound of ground beef – Opt for 80/20 ground beef to ensure a good balance of flavor and fat.
12 corn tortillas – These are essential for achieving that signature crispy shell.
1 small onion, finely diced – Adds flavor and depth to the beef filling.
2 cloves of garlic, minced – For an extra punch of flavor.
1 teaspoon of ground cumin – A staple spice in Mexican cooking.
1 teaspoon of chili powder – To give your beef filling a bit of spice.
½ teaspoon of paprika – Adds color and warmth.
Salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning.
1 cup of shredded lettuce – For a refreshing crunch when serving.
½ cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or queso fresco) – Adds a rich, melty touch.
1 cup of sour cream or Mexican crema – A creamy accompaniment to your tacos.
½ cup of salsa or pico de gallo – For an added burst of flavor.
Vegetable oil for frying – Enough to fill a frying pan about 1 inch deep.

Additional Ingredients for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

If you want to customize your tacos, feel free to include these optional ingredients to add even more flavor and texture.

Avocado slices – Creamy avocado contrasts beautifully with the crunchy tacos.
Jalapeños or pickled jalapeños – For those who enjoy an extra kick of heat.
Fresh cilantro – A bright and herbaceous topping that elevates the flavor.
Lime wedges – A squeeze of lime juice can bring all the flavors together.
Tomato slices or diced tomatoes – Add freshness and a bit of acidity.

Substitutions and Variations

Don’t worry if you’re missing an ingredient or want to tweak the recipe. Tacos Dorados are highly adaptable, and there are plenty of substitutions and variations to fit your preferences or dietary restrictions.

Protein Alternatives: While this recipe uses ground beef, you can substitute it with shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even seasoned black beans for a vegetarian version.
Tortilla Alternatives: Though corn tortillas are the traditional choice, you could use small flour tortillas if preferred. However, be aware that the texture and taste will be slightly different.
Cheese Substitutes: If you’re lactose intolerant, try using dairy-free cheese or simply skip it. You can also switch queso fresco with other Mexican cheeses like Cotija or Oaxaca cheese.
Healthier Options: If you want to make a lighter version, consider baking the tacos instead of frying them. Brush the rolled tacos with a bit of oil and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–20 minutes until crispy.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the fun part—cooking! Follow these steps to make your Tacos Dorados turn out crispy and delicious.

How to Cook Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef Filling

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef.
Brown the beef for about 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the onion softens.
Season the beef by adding cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to allow the spices to blend with the beef. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas

Warm the corn tortillas by lightly heating them on a skillet or griddle for about 30 seconds on each side. This will make them pliable and easier to roll.
Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly to encase the filling.

Step 3: Fry the Tacos

Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of tortilla into the oil—if it sizzles, the oil is ready.
Place the rolled tacos seam-side down in the hot oil. Fry them for about 2–3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove the tacos from the oil using tongs and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Once the tacos are fried, garnish them with shredded lettuce, cheese, sour cream, salsa, and any additional toppings you prefer.
Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, savory perfection of Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Tacos Dorados turn out just right, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Overfilling the tacos: Adding too much filling will make it difficult to roll the tortillas tightly, causing them to unravel during frying.
Skipping the tortilla warming step: If you don’t warm the tortillas before rolling, they might crack or tear, which will affect the texture and overall presentation.
Frying at the wrong temperature: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the tacos will absorb too much oil and become soggy instead of crispy. If the oil is too hot, the tortillas may burn before the filling is properly heated.

Serving and Presentation Tips for Tacos Dorados

How you present and serve your Tacos Dorados can make the meal even more enjoyable. Here are some tips for enhancing the overall dining experience.

How to Serve Tacos Dorados

Serve fresh: Tacos Dorados are best when served immediately after frying while they are still crispy.
Pair with sides: Serve with classic Mexican sides like rice and beans, or a light salad.
Offer dipping sauces: Serve the tacos with salsa verde, guacamole, or even a spicy chipotle mayo for dipping.

Presentation Ideas for Tacos Dorados

Layer the toppings artfully: Instead of just tossing the toppings on the tacos, arrange them in neat layers to create an appetizing and visually appealing dish.
Garnish the plate: Add a wedge of lime, a sprinkle of cilantro, or a small pile of pico de gallo on the side of each plate for added color and freshness.
Use colorful plates: Traditional Mexican dishes look vibrant on colorful plates, which enhance the visual appeal of your Tacos Dorados.

Tacos Dorados Recipe Tips

Make-ahead option: You can prepare the ground beef filling ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to make the tacos, simply warm up the filling and proceed with the recipe.
Baking alternative: If you prefer to avoid frying, you can bake the tacos at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until crispy.
Freezing option: Unfried rolled tacos can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, fry them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the frying time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
A: Yes, you can, but keep in mind that corn tortillas are traditional and provide the best texture for Tacos Dorados. Flour tortillas won’t crisp up quite the same way.

Q: Can I bake the tacos instead of frying them?
A: Absolutely! Simply bake the rolled tacos at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, to achieve a crispy texture.

Q: How can I store leftovers?
A: Leftover tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispiness.

Conclusion

Making Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef at home is a fun and rewarding experience that results in a flavorful, crispy meal everyone will enjoy. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll master the art of creating perfect Tacos Dorados—and impress anyone lucky enough to share your table. Try this recipe today and experience the delicious crunch of Tacos Dorados with savory ground beef filling. Your taste buds will thank you!