Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and crispy taco recipe that’s sure to please everyone at the table, you’ve got to try Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef. These fried tacos are golden, crunchy, and stuffed with seasoned ground beef, making them a flavorful Mexican classic. Topped with fresh ingredients like lettuce, cheese, and salsa, tacos dorados (meaning "golden tacos") are perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or any time you're craving something truly delicious. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make these crispy delights at home!

this Recipe

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What Are Tacos Dorados?

Tacos Dorados, also known as "golden tacos" or "fried tacos," are corn tortillas filled with a savory filling (like ground beef, chicken, or potatoes), folded in half, and fried until crispy and golden brown. The exterior becomes crunchy, while the filling stays moist and flavorful. These tacos are typically garnished with shredded lettuce, Mexican crema, salsa, cheese, and avocado for a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Unlike soft tacos, tacos dorados offer a satisfying crunch in every bite.

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Ingredients List for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these crispy and flavorful tacos:

For the Ground Beef Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef – You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken.
• 1 small onion, finely diced – Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – For extra flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin – Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder – For a mild heat and smoky flavor.
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) – For extra smokiness.
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano – For a herbaceous note.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning.
• ½ cup tomato sauce or salsa – Adds moisture and flavor to the beef filling.

For the Tacos:

• 12-15 small corn tortillas – Corn tortillas are traditional and get nice and crispy when fried.
• Vegetable oil for frying – Use a neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.

For Toppings (Optional but Recommended):

• Shredded lettuce – Adds freshness and crunch.
• Crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese – For extra flavor and creaminess.
• Sour cream or Mexican crema – A cool contrast to the crispy tacos.
• Salsa or pico de gallo – Adds brightness and spice.
• Avocado slices or guacamole – Creamy and rich.
• Pickled jalapeños or radishes – For a tangy kick.

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Substitutions and Variations

This Tacos Dorados recipe is versatile, and you can easily adjust the ingredients based on your preferences:

• Meat alternatives: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
• Filling variations: Swap the ground beef for mashed potatoes, refried beans, shredded chicken, or cheese for a different taco dorado filling.
• Tortilla options: If you don’t have corn tortillas, you can use small flour tortillas, but note that corn tortillas get crispier when fried.
• Spice it up: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the ground beef mixture for extra heat.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make crispy, delicious Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef. The process is straightforward, and the results are incredibly satisfying!

1. Prepare the Ground Beef Filling

In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked—about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.

Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the onion is softened. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.

Stir in the tomato sauce or salsa and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove the skillet from the heat and set the filling aside.

2. Heat the Tortillas

In a small skillet, heat a little vegetable oil over medium heat. Working with one or two at a time, warm each corn tortilla for about 20-30 seconds per side until pliable. This step helps prevent the tortillas from cracking when folded. Place the warmed tortillas on a plate and cover them with a clean towel to keep them warm and flexible.

3. Assemble the Tacos

Take a warm tortilla and spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the ground beef filling onto one half of the tortilla. Fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently to secure it, but don’t press too hard, or the filling may squeeze out. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

4. Fry the Tacos

In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (or until a small piece of tortilla sizzles when dropped in the oil).

Working in batches, carefully place the filled tacos in the hot oil, seam side down. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until both sides are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to carefully flip the tacos and remove them from the oil once they’re done. Drain the fried tacos on a paper towel-lined plate.

5. Garnish and Serve

Once all the tacos are fried, it’s time to garnish them! Open the tacos slightly and fill them with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, cheese, sour cream, salsa, avocado, or anything else you love. Serve them hot and enjoy!

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

Here’s a quick recap of the steps to make perfect Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef:

1. Cook the ground beef with onions, garlic, and seasonings.
2. Warm the tortillas to make them pliable.
3. Fill and fold the tortillas with the beef mixture.
4. Fry the tacos until golden and crispy.
5. Garnish with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Tacos Dorados turn out perfectly crispy and delicious, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Not warming the tortillas: Cold tortillas can crack when folded, so be sure to warm them slightly to make them pliable.
• Overfilling the tacos: Be careful not to overstuff the tacos, as this can cause them to break open while frying.
• Frying at too low a temperature: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the tacos will absorb too much oil and become greasy rather than crispy. Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying.
• Crowding the pan: Fry the tacos in batches so they cook evenly and have enough room to crisp up. Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy tacos.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Tacos Dorados are best served hot and fresh, and they pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and toppings. Here’s how to serve them:

• Serve with classic sides: Pair your tacos with traditional Mexican sides like refried beans, Mexican rice, or elote (Mexican street corn).
• Set up a taco bar: Create a taco bar by setting out bowls of toppings like shredded lettuce, cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and jalapeños, so everyone can customize their tacos.
• Pair with salsa: Serve tacos dorados with homemade salsa, pico de gallo, or a tangy tomatillo salsa to brighten up the crispy tacos.

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How to Serve Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

Here are a few ideas for serving Tacos Dorados to make them even more enjoyable:

• Family-style: Serve a big platter of tacos dorados in the center of the table and let everyone dig in and top their own tacos.
• Individual plates: For a more formal presentation, arrange 3-4 tacos on each plate and garnish with fresh toppings like cilantro, cheese, and avocado.
• Casual meal: Pair tacos dorados with a side of chips and salsa, guacamole, or a refreshing salad for a light yet satisfying meal.

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Presentation Ideas for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

Make your tacos dorados look as amazing as they taste with these simple presentation ideas:

• Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a vibrant pop of green.
• Use a colorful platter: Serve the tacos on a bright, colorful platter to create a festive, inviting presentation.
• Add texture: Top the tacos with crumbled queso fresco, sour cream, or crispy radishes for extra texture and visual appeal.

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Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef Recipe Tips

Here are some additional tips to make sure your tacos dorados turn out perfect every time:

• Keep the tortillas warm: Keep the tortillas warm and pliable by covering them with a towel while assembling the tacos.
• Watch the oil temperature: Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. If it gets too hot, the tortillas will burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil.
• Work in batches: Fry the tacos in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure even cooking.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make tacos dorados ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the ground beef filling and tortillas ahead of time. However, it’s best to fry the tacos just before serving to maintain their crispy texture. If you need to reheat them, you can warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes.

Q: Can I bake tacos dorados instead of frying them?
A: Yes! For a healthier version, you can bake the tacos dorados in a 400°F oven. Brush the folded tacos with oil and bake them for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

Q: Can I freeze tacos dorados?
A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled, uncooked tacos. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q: What can I serve with tacos dorados?
A: Tacos dorados pair well with a variety of sides, such as Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, salsa, or a fresh salad.

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Conclusion

Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef are the perfect combination of crispy, flavorful, and easy-to-make. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a casual get-together, these tacos are sure to be a hit. With minimal ingredients and a simple process, you can enjoy this classic Mexican dish right at home. Don’t forget to load them up with your favorite toppings for extra flavor and texture. Happy cooking!

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