Description
This recipe for Crispy Ground Beef Tacos offers a quick and flavorful way to enjoy classic Mexican-American cuisine. Ground beef is seasoned with a blend of spices and tomato sauce, then encased in warm corn tortillas melted with cheddar cheese and pan-fried until golden and crispy. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner, these tacos are customizable with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup tomato sauce or salsa
Tortillas & Toppings
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, chopped cilantro, hot sauce, lime wedges
Instructions
- Cook the Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion together until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 6 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to create a lean filling.
- Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper into the beef mixture. Cook for an additional minute to let the spices release their aroma and flavor.
- Simmer with Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce or salsa, stirring well. Lower the heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly, intensifying the flavor.
- Prepare Tortillas with Cheese and Beef: In a separate skillet, heat 1 to 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Place one corn tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle shredded cheese on one half of the tortilla. Add a spoonful of the beef mixture atop the cheese, then fold the tortilla over to cover the filling.
- Fry the Tacos: Press the folded tortilla gently with a spatula and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside has melted. Repeat this process with remaining tortillas, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
- Serve with Toppings: Serve the crispy beef tacos warm with your choice of optional toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, chopped cilantro, hot sauce, and lime wedges for extra zest and freshness.
Notes
- To save time during busy days, pre-cooked taco meat can be used, or double the recipe and freeze half for future meals.
- For a lighter alternative, bake the folded tacos in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes instead of pan-frying.
- Use certified gluten-free corn tortillas to keep this recipe gluten-free.
