Tacos Dorados
Crispy, golden, and packed with savory goodness, Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef are a perfect choice for anyone craving authentic Mexican flavors. These tacos feature seasoned ground beef nestled between two layers of melted cheese inside a crispy, freshly fried corn tortilla. Each bite is a satisfying mix of tender, juicy beef, gooey cheese, and that perfect tortilla crunch.
Whether you’re preparing a quick and delicious lunch or looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner option, Tacos Dorados are incredibly versatile and easy to make. Customize them with your favorite toppings, from salsa and guacamole to fresh pico de gallo and crema, to add a personal touch to each taco.
With just 30 minutes from start to finish, these crispy tacos are an ideal choice when you’re short on time but not willing to compromise on flavor. Dive into this recipe and get ready to bring a little fiesta to your table!
Key Ingredients for Perfect Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef
- Lean ground beef – The star protein, seasoned to perfection, for a flavorful, hearty filling.
- White onion – Adds a mild, savory sweetness that pairs beautifully with the beef.
- Jalapeño – For a touch of heat and brightness; seeds removed to keep the spice mild but flavorful.
- Corn tortillas – Authentic and sturdy, they crisp up beautifully in the frying pan.
- Monterey Jack cheese – A creamy cheese that melts well, adding a mild, rich flavor.
- Sharp cheddar cheese – Balanced sharpness that enhances the flavors of the beef and spices.
- Garlic powder, black pepper, cumin, and red pepper flakes – Classic spices that deepen the savory flavor of the beef.
- Slap Ya Mama seasoning – For an extra kick of Cajun-inspired spice, perfect for a bold flavor twist.
- Vegetable oil – Essential for frying to create that golden, crispy shell.
How to Make Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and jalapeño over medium heat until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender, releasing aromatic flavors.
- Add the Slap Ya Mama seasoning, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, stirring until the beef is well-coated with spices. Drain any excess grease for a cleaner, crispier taco.
- Clean the skillet, then add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it’s ready for frying.
- Place a corn tortilla in the hot oil, quickly flipping it to warm both sides. Add a layer of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese, followed by a portion of the seasoned beef mixture, and sprinkle another layer of cheese on top.
- Fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently to seal, and fry until it’s crispy and golden on both sides. Remove the taco from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the tacos immediately on a platter, adding your favorite toppings like fresh salsa, guacamole, or shredded lettuce.
Recipe Tips for Crispy, Flavorful Tacos Dorados
- Warm tortillas first: Quickly warming each tortilla in the hot oil before adding fillings prevents them from cracking and makes folding easier.
- Cheese as a glue: Adding cheese on both sides of the filling helps seal the taco as it melts, keeping the filling inside as the tortilla crisps up.
- Keep an eye on the oil: Maintain medium-high heat for optimal crispiness without burning. If the oil starts to smoke, lower the heat slightly.
- Drain excess oil: After frying, place tacos on a paper towel to absorb excess oil, ensuring a less greasy bite.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or try a spicier cheese, like pepper jack, in place of Monterey Jack. You can also swap ground beef for shredded chicken or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Serve your Tacos Dorados with classic Mexican toppings like crema, avocado slices, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro. For an extra indulgent dip, pair them with a side of queso or homemade guacamole.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Tacos Dorados
If you have leftover tacos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep them crispy when reheating, avoid microwaving; instead, place them in an oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or use an air fryer for a few minutes to restore their original crunch.
Enjoy these Tacos Dorados hot and crispy with your favorite toppings, and savor each bite of this delicious, golden Mexican treat!
Tacos Dorados Recipe
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 white onion diced
- 1 jalapeño diced with seeds removed
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and jalapeño over medium heat until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender. Add the Slap Ya Mama seasoning, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Wipe the skillet clean, then pour in enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Heat the oil over medium-high heat.
- Using tongs, place one corn tortilla at a time into the hot oil, flipping it quickly. Add a layer of shredded cheese, a portion of the meat mixture, and an additional sprinkle of cheese to one side of the tortilla.
- Fold the tortilla in half and continue frying until the taco is crispy and golden on both sides.
- Remove the taco from the pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Arrange the tacos on a serving platter and serve immediately with your favorite toppings.