These crispy ground beef tacos are super tasty and easy to make! They feature perfectly seasoned beef wrapped in crunchy shells that are hard to resist.
Honestly, who can say no to a taco night? I love piling on toppings like cheese and salsa for an extra kick. They’re perfect for a quick dinner or a fun gathering!
Making these tacos is a breeze, and they always disappear fast. Just pan-fry your beef, stuff those shells, and you’ve got a meal that delights everyone in the family!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using 80/20 ground beef for the right balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken, but they can be drier. Adding a little olive oil can help retain moisture.
Onion: A small onion provides a nice background flavor. If you’re short on onions, consider using shallots or leeks, which are milder and sweet. Green onions are also a fresh alternative if you have them on hand.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and paprika bring warmth. If you’re spice-sensitive, cut down the chili powder. You could also use taco seasoning if it’s available; just adjust salt accordingly since it may already have salt in it.
Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas give a lovely texture. If you can’t find them, flour tortillas are a fine substitute, though they won’t be as crunchy. I love the old-fashioned look of hand-pressed tortillas if you can find them!
Avocado & Guacamole: Fresh avocado adds creaminess. If you’re looking for a quick option, store-bought guacamole works great, but be sure to check for added spices that might affect the flavor of your tacos.
How Do You Fry Tortillas to Keep Them Crispy?
Frying corn tortillas to get them crispy is a fantastic step to elevate your tacos! Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; this helps to crisp up the tortillas quickly.
- Fry each tortilla for about 30 seconds on one side until it’s lightly golden, then flip and repeat on the other side.
- Once crispy, place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any extra oil. This keeps them crunchy even after frying.
Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry just a few at a time to ensure even crispness!
How to Make Crispy Ground Beef Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Frying Tortillas:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
- 8 corn tortillas
For Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 avocado, diced (or guacamole)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious taco recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. Grab your ingredients, and in no time, you’ll be enjoying crispy, tasty tacos filled with flavorful ground beef!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Using a spatula, break the meat apart and cook until it’s nicely browned. If there’s a lot of fat, you can drain some off to keep it from being greasy.
2. Add Onion and Garlic:
Next, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir this mixture and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion turns soft and translucent. This will add great flavor to your beef!
3. Spice it Up:
Now it’s time to add your spices! Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes. This will let the spices mix in and boost the flavor of your beef.
4. Fry the Tortillas:
In a separate skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. One by one, take a corn tortilla and fry it for about 30 seconds on each side, until it’s crispy. Once done, place them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil.
5. Assemble Your Tacos:
Now comes the fun part! Take a crispy tortilla and fill it with the ground beef mixture. Top it off with a handful of shredded lettuce, some diced tomatoes, and your avocado or guacamole. Don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for a fresh touch!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Grab some lime wedges and serve them on the side for squeezing over your tacos. Enjoy your homemade crispy ground beef tacos immediately while they’re hot and crunchy!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that turkey and chicken can be drier, so consider adding a splash of broth or a little extra oil to keep the mixture juicy.
What Can I Use Instead of Corn Tortillas?
If you prefer a different option, feel free to use flour tortillas or even taco shells. Flour tortillas will give you a soft taco, while taco shells will provide a crunchy texture but won’t be pan-fried. Just adjust the frying time accordingly if you choose to heat them up!
How to Store Leftover Filling?
Cool the leftover ground beef filling completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based meat alternative. Season similarly and cook until heated through. Feel free to add black beans or lentils for extra protein!
