Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
Crunchy, cheesy tacos filled with seasoned beef and melted mozzarella, perfect for a quick dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling
- 1 pound 90/10 ground beef Use lean ground beef to limit oil
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped Adds flavor and texture
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning Season to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste Enhances moisture and flavor
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth Add as needed to prevent dryness
- to taste salt Adjust according to preference
For Assembling Tacos
- 8 pieces 6 inch taco size flour tortillas Can use corn tortillas, but they may need extra care when sealing
- 2-3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded Can substitute with cheddar or pepper jack
- to taste avocado or vegetable oil For frying
- to taste fresh cilantro, finely chopped For garnish
Instructions
Preparation of Filling
- Heat about 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until mostly browned, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Mix in the tomato paste and taco seasoning.
- If the filling looks dry, stir in water or beef broth as needed.
- Cook until the beef is fully done and most liquid has evaporated, about 3 to 4 more minutes.
- Taste and add salt if needed. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Assembling Tacos
- On a clean surface, lay a tortilla down.
- On the top half, add 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons shredded mozzarella.
- Spoon some beef filling over the cheese and add another 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons cheese on top.
- Fold the bottom half of the tortilla over the filling and press gently to seal.
- Transfer each assembled taco to a large baking sheet. Repeat until all tacos are assembled.
Frying 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 golden brown and crispy.
- Move fried tacos to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain and add more oil between batches if needed.
- Serve while hot and crispy.
Notes
Serve hot with a garnish of fresh cilantro and squeeze of lime. Pair with salsa, sour cream, or hot sauce. Store leftovers properly to maintain crunch.