Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef Recipe

If you're craving crispy, golden tacos stuffed with savory ground beef, look no further than Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef. These golden tacos are fried to perfection, offering a satisfying crunch in every bite, while the seasoned beef filling provides a burst of flavor. Whether you’re preparing dinner for the family, hosting a party, or just treating yourself to some comfort food, these tacos dorados are sure to please. Keep reading to discover the step-by-step process, helpful tips, and creative ways to serve and present your tacos.

What are Tacos Dorados?

Tacos dorados (meaning “golden tacos” in Spanish) are crispy, rolled or folded tacos that are traditionally fried until they reach a golden, crunchy texture. Unlike soft tacos, tacos dorados are fried in oil, giving them a crispy shell that holds a delicious filling, typically made from ingredients like ground beef, chicken, potatoes, or beans. While they are often compared to taquitos, which are tightly rolled, tacos dorados can also be folded into a half-moon shape, making them easier to fill and fry. These tacos are commonly garnished with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, crema, and cheese, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

Ingredients List for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

To make these irresistible tacos, you'll need a mix of common pantry staples and fresh toppings. Here's everything you'll need for the Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground beef (80/20 lean-fat ratio works well for juicy filling)
• 12 corn tortillas (6-inch size is ideal for easy folding)
• ½ cup onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking the beef)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (for flavor)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (or more, to taste)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky touch)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
• Vegetable oil for frying (enough to submerge tacos halfway)

Toppings (Optional but Recommended):

• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Mexican crema or sour cream
• Crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Salsa or hot sauce

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is flexible, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some substitution ideas and variations to suit your taste:

• Ground beef substitute: You can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or even shredded chicken if you want a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, use mashed beans (like black beans or refried beans) or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
• Corn tortillas: Although corn tortillas are traditional for tacos dorados, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. Just keep in mind that corn tortillas offer a more authentic flavor and a crunchier texture when fried.
• Cheese options: If you don’t have shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack, you can use Oaxaca cheese, or even a mild mozzarella. For a dairy-free option, skip the cheese or use plant-based cheese.
• Additional seasonings: Customize the ground beef filling by adding your favorite spices such as oregano, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Frying alternatives: To make the tacos a bit healthier, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes, or air fry them at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Continue cooking the beef until it’s fully browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat, and set the beef aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn Tortillas

While the beef is cooking, warm the corn tortillas to make them more pliable and prevent cracking when you fold them. You can do this by lightly heating them on a dry skillet over medium heat for about 20-30 seconds per side. Alternatively, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 30-40 seconds.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

Lay each warmed tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the seasoned ground beef onto one half of each tortilla. Top with a small amount of shredded cheese (about 1 tablespoon per taco). Fold the tortilla in half, pressing the edges down lightly to seal the filling inside.

Step 4: Fry the Tacos

In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of tortilla into the oil – it should sizzle immediately.

Carefully place 3-4 tacos in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the tacos for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden and crispy. Use tongs to flip the tacos and fry the other side.

Once the tacos are crisp and golden, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat this process until all the tacos are fried.

Step 5: Serve and Add Toppings

Once all the tacos dorados are fried and crispy, it’s time to add your favorite toppings. Serve them hot with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, Mexican crema, crumbled queso fresco, and a drizzle of your favorite salsa or hot sauce. Don’t forget to add avocado slices or guacamole for extra flavor!

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

To summarize the process of making Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef, here’s a quick step-by-step guide:

1. Cook the ground beef with onions, garlic, and spices until browned and flavorful.
2. Warm the tortillas to make them flexible for folding.
3. Fill and fold the tortillas with seasoned ground beef and shredded cheese.
4. Fry the tacos until golden and crispy on both sides.
5. Serve with toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, crema, and cheese for the ultimate taco experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling the tortillas: Be careful not to overfill the tacos with too much beef or cheese, as this can cause them to break open while frying. Stick to about 2 tablespoons of filling per tortilla.
• 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 sizzling before adding the tacos.
• Using cold tortillas: Cold tortillas are more likely to crack when folded. Always warm them before filling to ensure they are soft and pliable.
• Not draining excess oil: After frying, place the tacos on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil and prevent sogginess.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

• Serve the tacos dorados hot, with an array of toppings on the side so everyone can customize their own.
• Pair the tacos with Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
• For a party or gathering, create a taco dorado station with bowls of various toppings, allowing guests to build their own tacos.

Presentation Ideas for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

• Arrange the tacos on a large serving platter, fanning them out for an attractive display.
• Garnish the platter with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños for a colorful and appetizing presentation.
• Serve with small bowls of salsa, guacamole, and crema on the side for dipping.

Tacos Dorados Recipe Tips

• Meal prep: You can prepare the ground beef filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply assemble and fry the tacos.
• Leftovers: If you have leftover tacos, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness.
• Add variety: Experiment with different fillings like shredded chicken, pulled pork, or mashed potatoes for a fun twist on the classic recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I bake Tacos Dorados instead of frying them?

Yes! To make a healthier version, you can bake the tacos dorados. Preheat the oven to 400°F, place the folded tacos on a baking sheet, and brush them lightly with oil. Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy.

What can I use if I don’t have corn tortillas?

Flour tortillas can be used instead of corn tortillas, though they will have a slightly different texture. Corn tortillas are preferred for their authentic flavor and crispiness when fried.

How can I make these tacos spicier?

For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the beef filling, or sprinkle cayenne pepper into the spice mix. You can also serve the tacos with spicy salsa or hot sauce.

Conclusion

Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef are the ultimate crispy, flavorful, and customizable meal that can be enjoyed for any occasion. With their golden, crunchy shell and savory beef filling, these tacos are sure to become a favorite in your home. The combination of textures, from the crispy shell to the soft, flavorful filling, makes every bite satisfying. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with your own variations, these tacos dorados will bring joy to any table. Try this recipe today and get ready to indulge in the deliciousness of tacos dorados!

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