Crispy Fried Ground Beef Tacos Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe serves 6 and was designed at its original yield. Ingredient quantities scale automatically, but cooking times and steps remain the same. Note: not all recipes scale perfectly.

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
• 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2/3 cup water
• 1/2 cup oil, divided
• 12 corn tortillas
• 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• Lettuce, salsa, sour cream, and cilantro for topping

Directions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 4 minutes until the fat is rendered and the beef starts to brown.
2. Stir in the chopped onion and cook for another 4 minutes until the onion softens and the beef becomes crumbly. Drain any excess fat if desired.
3. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute. Then stir in the tomato paste and water, loosening any browned bits from the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
4. In a separate large deep skillet, heat 1/4 cup oil over medium-high heat. Place a tortilla carefully in the hot oil until it starts to bubble and turn golden brown. Flip it over.
5. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese over the tortilla. Add roughly 1/4 cup of the beef mixture on one half. Using tongs and a spatula, fold the tortilla in half and cook until both sides are well browned. Drain on paper towels.
6. Repeat this process with the remaining oil, tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese. Carefully open and fill each taco with lettuce, salsa, sour cream, and cilantro as desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 640
• Total Fat: 45g (57% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 14g (68% DV)
• Cholesterol: 101mg (34% DV)
• Sodium: 629mg (27% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 26g (10% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 4g (15% DV)
• Total Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 33g (66% DV)
• Vitamin C: 2mg (2% DV)
• Calcium: 352mg (27% DV)
• Iron: 4mg (20% DV)
• Potassium: 537mg (11% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient data may not be complete for all ingredients. Consult a healthcare professional if you follow a medically restrictive diet.

The History of Crispy Fried Ground Beef Tacos

Crispy fried ground beef tacos have their roots in traditional Mexican cuisine, where tacos have been a staple for centuries. Originally, tacos were simple handheld meals made with soft corn tortillas and filled with meats, beans, or vegetables. The innovation of frying the filled tortilla to create a crispy texture likely emerged in northern Mexico in the 20th century, where cooks experimented with oil-fried variations to add crunch and enhance flavor. This method allowed the tortillas to hold more toppings without becoming soggy, creating a satisfying combination of textures.

Regional Variations

Throughout Mexico, tacos vary widely by region, with differences in fillings, spices, and preparation techniques. In northern Mexico, beef is the preferred protein due to the region's ranching history, making ground beef tacos particularly popular. Southern regions, by contrast, may favor pork or seafood fillings. The crispy fried style is especially common in the U.S.-Mexico border states, where Tex-Mex cuisine has adapted traditional Mexican recipes by adding more cheese, deep-frying, and offering a wider array of toppings such as shredded lettuce, salsa, and sour cream.

What Sets Them Apart from Similar Dishes

While similar to standard tacos, crispy fried ground beef tacos stand out due to their preparation method. Unlike soft tacos, the tortilla is fried, creating a golden, crunchy exterior. This differs from hard-shell tacos sold in supermarkets, which are pre-baked and more uniform in texture. The combination of melted cheese inside the fried tortilla and the fresh toppings added afterward provides a unique balance of savory, crunchy, and creamy flavors not typically found in other taco variations.

Where They Are Typically Served

Crispy fried ground beef tacos are commonly served in casual dining restaurants, taco trucks, and home kitchens across the United States and northern Mexico. They are a favorite at parties, family gatherings, and festive occasions due to their appealing texture and ability to be easily customized. Street vendors often serve them hot and freshly fried, emphasizing the crispiness that distinguishes them from other tacos.

Interesting Facts

• The frying technique not only adds texture but also seals in the flavors of the beef and cheese, making each bite rich and satisfying.
• Despite being associated with Tex-Mex cuisine, crispy fried tacos are rarely deep-fried in traditional Mexican home cooking, making this a culinary fusion.
• Adding shredded cheese inside the taco before frying is a technique designed to melt the cheese perfectly without burning it, ensuring a gooey interior.
• These tacos can be adapted to various dietary preferences by substituting ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based protein for beef without losing their signature crispiness.
• The visual appeal of a perfectly golden, fried taco has contributed to its popularity on social media platforms, where food presentation plays a key role.

FAQ about Crispy Fried Ground Beef Tacos Recipe