Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef Recipe

Are you craving something crispy, savory, and absolutely delicious? Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef, also known as "golden tacos," are the perfect answer! These tacos are filled with seasoned ground beef, fried to crispy perfection, and topped with your favorite garnishes. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through every step to ensure you achieve that golden crunch while keeping the filling flavorful and juicy. Stay tuned for substitutions, variations, serving tips, and more to make your taco night unforgettable!

What Are Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef?

Tacos Dorados, literally translating to "golden tacos," are a Mexican dish where tortillas are filled, rolled or folded, and then fried until crispy. While you can fill tacos dorados with various ingredients, ground beef is one of the most popular options. These tacos are different from soft tacos as the tortilla is fried to give a satisfying crunch. Once fried, they are typically garnished with fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and cheese, making them a delicious combination of crispy and fresh.

Ingredients List for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

Here’s everything you need to make delicious Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef:

For the Ground Beef Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef: Preferably 85/15 for a good balance of fat and flavor.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds depth of flavor to the beef.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the savoriness of the beef.
• 1 tablespoon chili powder: To give a mild heat and flavor.
• 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds warmth and an earthy taste.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: For smokiness and color.
• ½ teaspoon oregano: Brings a hint of herbaceous flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: To season the beef perfectly.
• ¼ cup tomato sauce: Adds moisture and richness to the filling.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic.

For the Tacos:

• 12 corn tortillas: Corn tortillas fry up to the perfect crispy texture.
• Vegetable oil for frying: You’ll need enough to submerge or shallow-fry the tacos.
• Toothpicks: To keep the tacos closed while frying (optional).

Toppings and Garnishes:

• Shredded lettuce: For a fresh, crunchy contrast.
• Diced tomatoes: Adds juiciness and a pop of color.
• Sour cream: Adds creaminess and richness.
• Grated cheese (queso fresco or cheddar): For a salty, savory topping.
• Sliced avocado or guacamole: Optional, but adds creaminess and richness.
• Salsa or hot sauce: For extra flavor and heat.
• Cilantro: For a fresh, herbaceous garnish.

Substitutions and Variations

Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef are incredibly versatile, and you can customize them to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Below are some great substitutions and variations to consider.

Substitutions:

• Ground turkey or chicken: If you want a lighter version, you can replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. The seasoning will still make it flavorful.
• Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or a plant-based meat alternative.
• Flour tortillas: While corn tortillas are traditional, you can use small flour tortillas if that’s your preference. Keep in mind they may not crisp up the same way as corn tortillas.

Variations:

• Cheesy tacos: Add shredded cheese inside the tortillas along with the beef before frying for an extra cheesy twist.
• Bean and beef mix: Add some refried beans to the ground beef mixture to stretch the filling and add extra creaminess.
• Spicy tacos: Add diced jalapeños to the filling or increase the amount of chili powder or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Loaded toppings: Experiment with a variety of toppings like pickled onions, radishes, or a drizzle of crema for an elevated presentation.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef at home. The process is easy and ensures that your tacos turn out crispy and flavorful every time.

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
5. Drain any excess fat from the beef.
6. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
7. Add the tomato sauce, mix well, and let the beef simmer for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas

1. Warm the corn tortillas in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until pliable. This will prevent them from cracking when you fold or roll them.
2. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the ground beef mixture onto one half of each tortilla, then fold the tortilla in half. You can secure them with toothpicks to ensure they stay closed while frying, but this step is optional.

Step 3: Fry the Tacos

1. In a large skillet, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F), carefully place the folded tacos into the oil. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
3. Fry each taco for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden and crispy.
4. Remove the tacos from the oil and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once all the tacos are fried, remove any toothpicks and top the tacos with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, grated cheese, and any other toppings you like.

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

1. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil.
2. Brown the ground beef and season with spices and tomato sauce.
3. Warm tortillas and fill them with the beef mixture.
4. Fry the tacos until golden and crispy.
5. Drain on paper towels and garnish with your favorite toppings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling the tortillas: If you add too much filling, the tacos may burst open while frying. Stick to about 2 tablespoons of filling per taco for the best results.
• Frying at the wrong temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the tacos. If the oil is too cold, the tacos will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If too hot, they’ll burn before getting crispy.
• Using cold tortillas: Cold tortillas are more likely to crack when you fold them. Be sure to warm them first to make them pliable.
• Not draining the ground beef: If you don’t drain the excess fat from the ground beef, the tacos can become greasy and soggy. Take the time to drain off the fat for a cleaner, tastier taco.

Serving and Presentation Tips

The beauty of Tacos Dorados is not just in their crispy texture but also in the fresh, colorful toppings that make each bite delicious. Here are some tips for serving and presenting your tacos dorados like a pro.

How to Serve Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef:

• Serve them hot, straight from the fryer, topped with a variety of fresh garnishes like lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream.
• Pair with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or pico de gallo for a full meal.
• Add a drizzle of Mexican crema or guacamole for extra creaminess.

Presentation Ideas for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef:

• Serve on a large platter with a variety of toppings laid out so that everyone can customize their tacos.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado slices for a vibrant, colorful presentation.
• Arrange the tacos in a standing taco holder for a professional and organized look.

Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef Recipe Tips

• Prep ahead: Make the ground beef filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This way, you just have to fill and fry the tacos when you’re ready to eat.
• Crispy tips: For extra crispy tacos, after frying, place them in a preheated oven at 200°F for 5-10 minutes.
• Customize your toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different garnishes like radishes, pickled onions, or even a drizzle of spicy mayo.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ground beef filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Fry the tacos fresh for the best texture, though.

Can I bake the tacos instead of frying?

Yes, for a healthier option, you can bake the tacos. Brush them with a little oil and bake them at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

What can I use instead of toothpicks to hold the tacos?

You can use small skewers or just press the tacos down gently in the oil, flipping them carefully so they don’t open up while frying.

Conclusion

Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef are the perfect blend of crunchy, savory, and fresh. Whether you're serving them for taco night, a party, or just a simple family dinner, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. With crispy golden tortillas, a flavorful beef filling, and endless topping possibilities, these tacos are customizable and delicious. Try out different variations, get creative with your toppings, and enjoy every crispy bite! Now, gather your ingredients and get cooking—Tacos Dorados are waiting!

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