Name: Crispy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
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; 8 (6 inch) flour tortillas; 2 to 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Avocado or vegetable oil for frying; Fresh cilantro, finely chopped, for garnish

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

Instructions

Step 1: Heat about 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a large spoon and cook until most of the beef is browned, around 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste and taco seasoning. Add water or beef broth if the mixture looks dry. Continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked and most liquid has evaporated, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt if needed. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 4: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. On the top half, sprinkle 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella. Spoon some beef filling over the cheese, then add another 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of cheese on top. Fold the bottom half of the tortilla over the filling and press gently to seal.

Step 5: Place the assembled taco on a large baking sheet. Repeat with remaining tortillas, cheese, and beef filling to make 8 tacos.

Step 6: Heat 3-4 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. In batches, pan-fry the tacos for about 1 minute per side or until golden brown and crispy. Add more oil if needed between batches. Transfer cooked tacos to a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.

Step 7: Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve immediately while hot and crispy. Enjoy with your favorite sauce!

Tips & Variations

Use sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a different flavor.

Try corn tortillas if you prefer a gluten-free option, but handle carefully as they can be more delicate when folding and frying.

Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce into the beef filling for a spicy kick.

For a lighter version, skip the frying and bake the assembled tacos at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until crispy.

FAQs

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

You can assemble the tacos ahead but fry them just before serving to keep them crispy. Keep assembled tacos refrigerated and covered if preparing in advance.