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Crispy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe

4.6 from 152 reviews

These Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make meal featuring seasoned ground beef and melted mozzarella cheese folded inside flour tortillas, then pan-fried to golden, crispy perfection. Garnished with fresh cilantro, they make a satisfying and flavorful dish perfect for any taco night.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Filling

  • 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

Tacos

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Cook the onions: Heat about 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Use a large spoon to break up the meat and cook until most of the beef is browned, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  3. Season and simmer: Stir in the tomato paste and taco seasoning until fully combined. Pour in water or beef broth as needed if the mixture seems dry. Continue to cook until the beef is thoroughly cooked and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 3-4 minutes. Taste and add salt if necessary. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  4. Assemble the tacos: On a clean work surface, lay out a tortilla. Spread about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese on the top half, add a generous spoonful of the beef filling, and top with another 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of cheese. Fold the bottom half of the tortilla over the filling and gently press down to seal.
  5. Prepare remaining tacos: Repeat the assembly process with the remaining tortillas, beef filling, and cheese to make a total of 8 tacos. Place them all on a large baking sheet.
  6. Pan-fry the tacos: Heat 3 to 4 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the tacos in batches, about 1 minute per side, until they are golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked tacos to a wire cooling rack set over a baking sheet. Add more oil between batches if needed to maintain crispiness.
  7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the tacos with fresh chopped cilantro if desired and serve immediately while hot and crispy. Enjoy your crispy ground beef tacos with your favorite sauce or salsa.

Notes

  • Use 90/10 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and fat to achieve a juicy filling.
  • If you prefer, substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas, but note the texture and crispiness may differ.
  • Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to your taste preference.
  • Make sure to drain any excess fat after browning the beef if desired to reduce greasiness.
  • For extra crispiness, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the tacos but not smoking.
  • These tacos can be served with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for added flavor.
  • Leftover tacos can be reheated in a skillet or oven to retain crispiness.

Keywords: crispy ground beef tacos, pan-fried tacos, cheesy tacos, easy taco recipe, Mexican tacos