If you’re craving a meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor, these crispy beef tacos are the answer. Packed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar, and then seared to crispy perfection, this taco recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a fun family dinner.
I absolutely love making tacos—there’s just something so satisfying about biting into that perfect combination of flavors. While a traditional taco is always a hit, I like to find ways to "spice it up" a bit. These crispy beef tacos are an easy way to elevate taco night without a lot of fuss. The secret is in searing the tacos in a skillet, which gives them that irresistible crunch while allowing the beef and cheese to melt together in perfect harmony. It's a simple twist that takes your average taco to a whole new level.
One of my favorite things about these crispy tacos is how easy they are to dip. Whether it's salsa, guacamole, or one of my other go-to dips, these tacos make the perfect vehicle for scooping up those flavorful additions. The crispy edges hold up well, so I can dip away without worrying about the taco falling apart. It's the ultimate way to enjoy tacos and get a little extra flavor with every bite!
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Ingredients
- Olive Oil – Use your favorite light, neutral flavored oil.
- Onion – Choose a small yellow onion for a mild, sweet flavor. Chop finely to ensure it cooks evenly and blends well with the beef.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic is always best for a stronger, more aromatic flavor. Mince it finely to release the full flavor during cooking.
- Ground Beef – Opt for lean ground beef to keep the tacos flavorful without too much grease. You can also go for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Always taste as you go to get the right balance of seasoning.
- Chili Powder – Look for a mild chili powder blend. This adds depth without too much heat. You can add more if you prefer extra spice!
- Cumin – Cumin gives the beef a warm, earthy flavor. A little goes a long way, so be sure to measure carefully.
- Paprika – Sweet paprika works well for this recipe, giving the tacos a subtle smokiness and rich color. You can also use smoked paprika.
- Tomato Sauce – A simple, no-sugar-added tomato sauce works best. It adds moisture to the beef without overpowering the flavors.
- Corn Tortillas – Choose small, soft corn tortillas for the best texture and flavor. Be sure to warm them slightly before folding to avoid tearing.
- Cheddar Cheese – Go for sharp cheddar for a more pronounced, tangy flavor. Grate it yourself for the best melt and texture.
- Optional Toppings – Fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños add a nice crunch and freshness. Add sour cream or guacamole for extra creaminess.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 1-2 minutes until soft.
- Step 2: Add ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart. Drain or remove any extra grease. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Stir in tomato sauce and mix well. Simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Place a small amount of beef filling on one half of each tortilla. Sprinkle it with cheddar cheese and fold the tortilla in half.
- Step 4: Heat a light coating of oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry each taco for 1-2 minutes per side until crispy and golden. Use more oil as necessary. Tacos can be done indivually or in batches if you have a big pan. Remove and place on paper towels. Top with extra toppings if desired and serve immediately.
Hint: Drain the seared tacos on paper towels to remove any excess grease before serving.
Variations/ Substitutions
- Meat – Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken. Shredded leftover chicken will also work.
- Cheese – While cheddar is classic, you can use Monterey Jack, cotija, or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile. For a spicier kick, try pepper jack cheese.
- Seasoning – For convenience, substitute the seasonings with a store-bought taco seasoning blend. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
- Toppings – Try adding diced avocado, pickled onions, cilantro, or crumbled queso fresco for an extra burst of flavor.
- Tortillas – Swap the corn tortillas for flour tortillas if you prefer.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving tacos, there are so many delicious sides that complement the bold flavors of crispy beef tacos. Consider offering a refreshing side like a Mexican street corn or a simple guacamole and chips combo.
You can also go with classic options like refried beans, Spanish rice, or a tangy slaw to balance out the richness of the tacos. For something extra fun, serve up some salsa varieties or even a few dipping sauces. If you're looking for more inspiration, check out my list on what to serve with tacos for even more great ideas!
Equipment
For making these crispy beef tacos, you can use any skillet or pan you have on hand, but I personally love using cast iron for that perfect crispy texture. It retains heat really well, ensuring your tacos get that golden crunch.
Just remember, if you're using the same pan you sautéed the beef in, be sure to give it a quick wash to remove any leftover grease before frying the tacos. This helps keep the crunch nice and clean without any greasy residue!
Storing Leftovers
Taco meat can be made in advance and kept in an air tight container in the refrigerator. It can be reheated for a few minutes in the microwave or frying pan then made into tacos.
Leftover tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the skillet, microwave or air fryer.
Top Cooking Tips
- Opt for lean ground beef to avoid excess grease. If you do use fattier beef, make sure to drain the excess fat before adding the seasonings.
- When frying the tacos, avoid crowding them in the pan. Frying them in batches ensures they get crispy on all sides without sticking together.
- If your tacos are browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly. If they’re not crisping up, increase the heat for a better sear.
- After frying the tacos, place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil, keeping them crispy and not greasy.
- Gently press down on the tacos with a spatula while frying to ensure even crispiness and a nice seal.
FAQ
Yes! You can prepare the ground beef filling in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to make the tacos, just reheat the beef in a pan or microwave and continue with the assembly and frying process.
To prevent soggy tacos, make sure to fry them until they’re golden and crispy. Avoid overfilling them with toppings that release a lot of moisture. It also helps to serve them immediately after frying.
While frying gives the tacos their signature crunch, you can bake them for a lighter version. Brush the tortillas with a little oil, fill them, and bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to get them crispy.
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RECIPE
Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, peeled finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup tomato sauce
- 8 small corn tortillas
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Oil for frying
- optional toppings like shredded lettuce, diced onion or tomatoes, sour cream, jalapenos, etc
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 1-2 minutes until soft.
- Add ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart. Drain or remove any extra grease. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Stir in tomato sauce and mix well. Simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. .
- Place a small amount of beef filling on one half of each tortilla. Sprinkle it with cheddar cheese and fold the tortilla in half.
- Heat a light coating of oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry each taco for 1-2 minutes per side until crispy and golden. Use more oil as necessary. Tacos can be done indivually or in batches if you have a big pan. Remove and place on paper towels. Top with extra toppings if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
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