Name: Crispy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 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) taco size flour tortillas; 2 to 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; Avocado or vegetable oil (about 4-5 tablespoons for cooking); Fresh cilantro, finely chopped, for garnish

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Introduction

Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Loaded with seasoned beef and melted mozzarella cheese, these tacos are pan-fried to golden perfection for a satisfying crunch. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Four golden-brown, crispy tacos are folded and placed overlapping on a white plate. Each taco shell shows browned spots with a slightly rough texture and is filled with a visible layer of seasoned ground beef and melted cheese peeking out along the edges. Small green bits of chopped herbs are sprinkled on top of the tacos. To the left side of the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with a creamy, pale green sauce that has a slightly chunky texture. Around the bowl, there are four lime wedges with a fresh, light green color and visible juicy segments. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 for frying
Fresh cilantro, finely chopped, for garnish (optional)

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, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste and taco seasoning. Add water or beef broth if the mixture seems dry. Continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked and most liquid has evaporated, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt if needed and remove from heat to cool slightly.
Step 4: Lay a tortilla on a clean surface. Sprinkle about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella on the top half, then spoon some beef filling over the cheese. Add another 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of cheese on top, then 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 to make a total of 8 tacos using the remaining tortillas, cheese, and beef filling.
Step 6: Heat 3-4 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the tacos in batches for about 1 minute per side or until golden brown and crispy. Use more oil between batches if needed. Transfer fried tacos to a wire cooling rack set over a baking sheet.
Step 7: Garnish tacos with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately while hot and crispy with your favorite sauce. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the tacos, but not smoking.
Try adding finely chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
Swap mozzarella cheese with a Mexican blend or cheddar for different flavors.
Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, but handle gently as they are more fragile when folding and frying.

Storage

Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it may make the tortillas soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows three golden brown tacos folded and lined up on a white plate, each taco filled with juicy, cooked ground meat mixed with melted, slightly browned cheese visible at the edges. The tacos are topped with small bits of green cilantro scattered across them. On the side of the plate, there are two lime wedges with a fresh green color and a small white bowl filled with a creamy, light green sauce that has small specks of herbs. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the beef filling ahead of time?

Yes, the beef filling can be cooked and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before assembling the tacos.

What can I serve with these crispy tacos?

They pair well with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.