Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef Recipe

Craving something crispy, savory, and easy to make? Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef is the perfect dish for a quick yet satisfying meal! Also known as "Golden Tacos," these crunchy delights are stuffed with seasoned ground beef, fried to golden perfection, and topped with your favorite garnishes. Whether you're making a family dinner or prepping for a party, this recipe is bound to be a hit. So, read on and discover the secrets behind crafting the perfect Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef!

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What Are “Tacos Dorados”?

Tacos Dorados, meaning "golden tacos" in Spanish, are a traditional Mexican dish where tortillas are filled, typically with a savory mixture like ground beef, and then fried until crispy and golden brown. Unlike soft tacos, which are more pliable and can be served fresh off the griddle, Tacos Dorados are all about the crunch. The taco shells harden during frying, offering a crisp bite in every mouthful. They are often served with toppings like shredded lettuce, salsa, crema, and cheese, making for a delicious combination of textures and flavors.

Ingredients List for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to prepare these crispy golden tacos:

• Ground beef (80% lean) – 1 pound
• Tortillas (corn) – 12 small tortillas
• Onion (finely diced) – 1 medium-sized
• Garlic (minced) – 2 cloves
• Tomato (diced) – 1 medium
• Cumin (ground) – 1 tsp
• Chili powder – 1 tsp
• Salt – to taste
• Pepper – to taste
• Vegetable oil – for frying
• Shredded lettuce – 2 cups
• Grated cheese – 1 cup (optional)
• Sour cream or crema – for topping
• Salsa or hot sauce – to taste

Optional Ingredients:

• Guacamole
• Pickled jalapeños
• Radishes (sliced)
• Cilantro (chopped)

Substitutions and Variations

If you want to put your own twist on Tacos Dorados, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Ground Chicken or Turkey: Swap out the ground beef for a leaner option like ground chicken or turkey.
• Vegetarian Version: Use black beans or refried beans as the filling instead of meat for a vegetarian alternative.
• Cheese Fillings: Add some shredded cheese inside the taco before frying for a gooey, melted center.
• Tortilla Type: While corn tortillas are the traditional choice, you can use flour tortillas for a softer texture.
• Taco Shell Alternative: Use pre-made hard taco shells if you're short on time and want to skip the frying step.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Ground Beef Filling

• Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add the finely diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
• Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
• Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart using a spatula. Cook the beef until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
• Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then add diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the flavors meld.
• Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Assemble the Tacos

• Warm the tortillas by heating them briefly in a dry skillet or microwave. This will make them more pliable and prevent cracking.
• Place about 2 tablespoons of the ground beef mixture in the center of each tortilla.
• Fold the tortilla in half to form a taco, then press the edges slightly to help it stay closed. You can secure it with a toothpick if necessary.

3. Fry the Tacos

• Heat about ¼ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Once the oil is hot (test by dropping a small piece of tortilla into the oil – it should sizzle), carefully place the folded tacos into the oil, seam side down.
• Fry the tacos for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden and crispy.
• Use tongs to remove the tacos from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

4. Top and Serve

• Once the tacos have cooled slightly, remove any toothpicks if used.
• Garnish the tacos with shredded lettuce, grated cheese, sour cream, and your favorite salsa or hot sauce.

How to Cook Tacos Dorados: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Tacos Dorados can be simple and straightforward if you follow these steps:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Always cook your ground beef first. Make sure it's well-seasoned with spices like cumin and chili powder.
2. Warm the Tortillas: Warm tortillas are easier to fold and less likely to crack. Simply heat them up in a skillet for a few seconds on each side.
3. Fry Carefully: Be cautious while frying. Ensure your oil is at the right temperature so the tacos turn golden without becoming greasy.
4. Garnish Generously: The fun part is topping your tacos! Feel free to experiment with different garnishes to find the combo that works best for you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling the Tacos: While it’s tempting to stuff your tacos with more filling, overstuffing will make them harder to fry and more likely to fall apart.
• Not Warming Tortillas: If you skip this step, your tortillas may crack when folding them, making frying a messy ordeal.
• Frying at the Wrong Temperature: If your oil is too cold, the tacos will absorb too much oil and become soggy. Too hot, and the tacos might burn before the filling is heated through.
• Skipping the Drainage: Always drain your fried tacos on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them crispy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving Tacos Dorados, presentation can make a big difference! Here’s how you can elevate your dish:

How to Serve Tacos Dorados

• Serve the tacos immediately after frying while they’re still warm and crispy.
• Arrange them on a large serving platter with an assortment of toppings like lettuce, salsa, sour cream, and shredded cheese in small bowls on the side. This allows everyone to customize their tacos according to their tastes.

Presentation Ideas for Tacos Dorados

• Layered Plating: Stack the tacos in a slight fan pattern on a serving plate to make them visually appealing.
• Color Contrast: Use vibrant garnishes like red radishes, green cilantro, and colorful salsas to add contrast to the golden tacos.
• Taco Holders: Use taco holders to keep the tacos upright on the plate, making them easier to grab and less messy to serve.

Tacos Dorados Recipe Tips

• Work in Batches: Fry the tacos in small batches so you don’t overcrowd the skillet, which can lower the oil temperature and affect the crispiness.
• Double Fry for Extra Crispiness: For an extra crunchy shell, fry the tacos once until light golden, then remove them and let them rest. After a minute or two, return them to the oil for a second fry.
• Cheese Inside the Taco: Add some shredded cheese inside the taco before frying for an extra layer of flavor and a delicious melted surprise!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I bake Tacos Dorados instead of frying them?

Yes, you can! To bake them, brush the assembled tacos with oil, place them on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as fried, but they’ll still be delicious.

Q: Can I make Tacos Dorados ahead of time?

You can prep the beef filling ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. However, it's best to fry the tacos fresh to maintain their crispiness.

Q: What toppings go best with Tacos Dorados?

Classic toppings include shredded lettuce, grated cheese, sour cream, and salsa, but you can also add guacamole, pickled jalapeños, or chopped onions.

Q: Can I freeze Tacos Dorados?

Yes! After frying, let the tacos cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy.

Conclusion

Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef are a delicious, crispy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With a crunchy exterior and flavorful ground beef filling, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, the versatility of toppings and variations ensures there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is straightforward, fun to make, and always crowd-pleasing. Try it today, and bring the flavor of authentic Mexican cuisine to your table!

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