Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef Recipe

If you’re craving a delicious, crunchy, and savory meal, Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef will hit the spot. "Tacos dorados," which translates to "golden tacos," are crispy, fried tortillas filled with savory ground beef, then topped with fresh, vibrant garnishes. These tacos offer a satisfying contrast between the crunchy exterior and the flavorful filling inside. Perfect for dinner, parties, or even a quick snack, tacos dorados are easy to make, delicious, and versatile. Let’s walk you through the recipe, step by step, along with some tips and variations to make the best tacos dorados ever!

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What are Tacos Dorados?

Tacos Dorados are corn tortillas that are filled, folded, and then fried until they reach a crispy, golden brown perfection. They’re traditionally stuffed with ingredients like seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or mashed potatoes. Once fried, they are usually topped with fresh garnishes such as shredded lettuce, crema, cheese, salsa, and avocado. Tacos dorados are sometimes referred to as "taquitos" or "flautas," but they differ in size and filling. The crispy texture of the taco shell is what sets tacos dorados apart from other taco varieties, delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Ingredients List for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

To make your Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef, you’ll need a variety of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

For the Ground Beef Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best)
• ½ medium onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup tomato sauce (optional, for added moisture)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for richer flavor)
• ½ cup beef broth (or water)

For the Tacos:

• 12-15 corn tortillas (6-inch size works best)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Toothpicks (to keep the tacos folded during frying)

Garnishes:

• Shredded lettuce (for a fresh crunch)
• Crema or sour cream (for creaminess)
• Queso fresco or crumbled cotija cheese (for a salty finish)
• Sliced avocado (for creaminess and flavor)
• Salsa (your favorite variety, either red or green)
• Chopped cilantro (for a fresh, herbal touch)
• Sliced radishes (for a crisp, peppery bite)

Ingredients List for the Ground Beef Seasoning

To give your ground beef filling a flavorful punch, you’ll need to season it properly. Here's the breakdown of the main spices you’ll need:

• Cumin: A warm, earthy spice that is essential in Mexican cuisine.
• Chili Powder: Adds a subtle heat and complexity to the beef.
• Smoked Paprika: Optional, but adds a slightly smoky flavor to enhance the beef’s taste.
• Oregano: Provides a hint of herbal notes, often used in Mexican and Latin American dishes.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, bringing all the flavors together.

Substitutions and Variations

While ground beef is a traditional filling for tacos dorados, there are several substitutions and variations you can try to cater to your preferences:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter option, swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken. Adjust the seasoning accordingly.
• Vegetarian Option: Use mashed potatoes, beans, or sautéed veggies like mushrooms and zucchini as the filling.
• Cheese Filling: For a cheesy variation, you can fill the tacos with a combination of melted cheese and sautéed vegetables like peppers and onions.
• Different Tortillas: While corn tortillas are traditional, you can use small flour tortillas, but they will have a different texture when fried.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get started on making these delicious tacos dorados from scratch. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Ground Beef Filling:

• Heat the Oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
• Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through (about 7-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
• Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for another minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and the spices coat the beef evenly.
• Add Tomato Paste and Broth: Stir in the tomato paste, then add the beef broth or water. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Prepare the Tortillas:

• Warm the Tortillas: Warming the tortillas will make them more pliable and prevent them from breaking when folded. You can do this by briefly microwaving them wrapped in a damp paper towel, or heating them in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side.
• Assemble the Tacos: Take about 1-2 tablespoons of the ground beef filling and place it in the center of each tortilla. Fold the tortillas in half over the filling and secure with a toothpick.

3. Fry the Tacos:

• Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (or until a small piece of tortilla sizzles immediately when placed in the oil).
• Fry the Tacos: Carefully place the filled tortillas in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the tacos for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Flip them carefully using tongs to ensure even cooking.
• Drain Excess Oil: Once fried, remove the tacos from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil. Remove the toothpicks once the tacos are cool enough to handle.

4. Garnish and Serve:

• Once your tacos are fried and crispy, it’s time to load them up with delicious toppings! Top each taco dorado with shredded lettuce, a drizzle of crema, crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese, sliced avocado, and a spoonful of salsa. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced radishes for extra flavor and crunch.

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

To summarize the process:

1. Cook the ground beef filling with onions, garlic, and spices.
2. Warm the tortillas to make them pliable and fill them with the beef mixture.
3. Fold and fry the tacos until golden and crispy.
4. Top with fresh garnishes like lettuce, crema, cheese, and salsa.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few mistakes to avoid when making tacos dorados to ensure they come out perfectly:

• Overfilling the tortillas: Overstuffing the tortillas can cause them to tear or spill open when frying. Stick to 1-2 tablespoons of filling per taco.
• Not warming the tortillas: Cold tortillas can crack when folded. Always warm them up to make them pliable.
• Frying in oil that’s too hot: If the oil is too hot, the tortillas will burn before the filling gets heated through. Keep the oil at a medium heat for even cooking.

Serving and Presentation Tips

To enhance the overall presentation of your tacos dorados, consider these serving ideas:

• Serve Family-Style: Arrange the tacos dorados on a large platter, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges. Let your guests add their own toppings.
• Create a Taco Bar: Set up a DIY taco bar with bowls of toppings like salsa, shredded lettuce, crema, cheese, avocado slices, and pickled jalapeños. This allows everyone to customize their tacos.
• Pair with Sides: Serve your tacos dorados with classic Mexican sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or even a fresh guacamole.

How to Serve Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

Tacos dorados are best served right after frying, while they’re still crispy and hot. You can serve them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy them with a refreshing beverage like agua fresca or a cold Mexican soda.

Presentation Ideas for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

• Platter Presentation: Stack your tacos dorados in a staggered formation on a rustic serving platter, garnished with lime wedges and chopped cilantro.
• Individual Plates: Serve each taco dorado on a plate with a small side of refried beans, rice, and fresh salsa.
• Colorful Garnishes: Use vibrant toppings like radish slices, red salsa, and bright green avocado to add color and visual appeal.

Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the ground beef filling ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use. When you're ready to make the tacos

, simply warm the filling and proceed with assembling and frying.

• Reheating: To reheat leftover tacos dorados, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free corn tortillas to make this recipe gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I bake tacos dorados instead of frying them?
A: Yes! For a healthier alternative, you can bake the tacos dorados in the oven. Brush them lightly with oil and bake at 400°F for about 10-15 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through.

Q: Can I make these tacos with flour tortillas?
A: While corn tortillas are traditional, you can use small flour tortillas if you prefer, but they will have a different texture when fried.

Q: How do I keep the tacos from falling apart when frying?
A: Secure the filled tortillas with a toothpick to keep them closed while frying. Be gentle when flipping them in the oil to avoid breaking the shell.

Q: Can I freeze tacos dorados?
A: Yes, you can freeze the filled, uncooked tacos. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Fry them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion

Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef are the perfect combination of crispy, savory, and fresh flavors. This recipe is easy to make, highly customizable, and ideal for serving at family dinners, gatherings, or just a casual weeknight meal. With crispy tortillas and a flavorful ground beef filling topped with vibrant garnishes, tacos dorados offer a delightful crunch and bold taste in every bite. Enjoy making this authentic Mexican favorite, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings and variations!

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