Last Updated on November 16, 2023
Fried ground beef tacos is a Mexican-style dish made with strips of crunchy, flavorful tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef. It can be served as an appetizer or main course and will surely please any crowd.
The beef, spices, and cheese flavor combination makes it an all-time favorite for kids and adults. Not to mention, it’s relatively easy and affordable to make!
We’ll offer you the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, advice, nutrition information, and more to ensure you cook a wonderful recipe. So, continue reading!
Table of Contents
What does it taste like?
Empanadas fried ground beef tacos have a savory, filling flavor. The seasoned ground beef is flavorful, with strong notes of onion, garlic, oregano, and cumin. The tortillas are lightly fried, giving them a crunchy texture that contrasts perfectly with the soft beef. The cheese adds creaminess and a bit of tanginess to the overall taste.
How did I first get introduced to fried ground beef tacos?
I first encountered these delicious tacos at a local Mexican restaurant. As soon as I took a bite, I was hooked. The combination of crunchy fried tortillas and savory ground beef made for a perfect snack.
I later learned how easy it was to make fried ground beef tacos at home, and I’ve been making them ever since.
How to make fried ground beef tacos?
It’s surprisingly simple to make tacos with fried ground beef at home. A few basic ingredients and some time are all that are required for the flavors to meld.
You can prepare the recipe with the ingredients listed below and by following the steps.
What ingredients will you need?
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Mexican oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 3/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 white onion diced
- 8 oz shredded Mexican cheese
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp dried chives
- 20 corn tortillas
- 4 roma tomatoes chopped
- hot sauce optional
- shredded lettuce
- sour cream optional
Instructions
Step 1:
Start with lightly browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break apart with a wooden spoon and season generously with garlic powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, black pepper, onion powder and salt.
Step 2:
Once the beef is cooked through, add the tomatoes and oregano. Stir occasionally until most of the liquid has evaporated.
Step 3:
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
Step 4:
Working one at a time, place each tortilla in the hot oil for about 30 seconds per side or until lightly browned and crispy. Use tongs to flip it over.
Step 5:
Place the fried tortilla on a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
Step 6:
Once all the tortillas are fried, spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto one-half of each. Top with shredded cheese, diced onion, lettuce and sour cream if desired.
Step 7:
Fold the other half of each tortilla over and press lightly to seal.
Step 8:
Place all the tacos back into the skillet with oil for about 1 minute per side or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 9:
Serve immediately with hot sauce if desired, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Tips
• Make sure to cook the beef thoroughly before adding it to the tacos, as raw ground beef can carry a risk of food-borne illnesses.
• If you don’t have Mexican oregano, you can use regular oregano instead.
• If you’d like to make these tacos vegan, replace the ground beef with crumbled Beyond Meat or your favorite vegan substitute.
• You can use any type of shredded cheese that you prefer.
Fried Ground Beef Tacos
Equipment
- 1 a large skillet
Ingredients
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – Half a teaspoon of garlic powder adding a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish, infusing it with a savory and slightly pungent note that enhances the overall taste profile.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder – Half a teaspoon of onion powder offering a sweet and savory flavor to the dish, adding depth and complexity to the overall taste profile.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – Half a teaspoon of garlic powder contributing to the aromatic and savory flavor profile of the dish, enhancing the overall taste experience.
- 1/4 tsp Mexican oregano – One-fourth of a teaspoon of Mexican oregano providing a distinct and earthy flavor to the dish, adding a touch of warmth and complexity.
- 3/4 tsp salt – Three-fourths of a teaspoon of salt serving as a fundamental seasoning element, enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients, and ensuring a well-balanced taste.
- Sour cream optional – Sour cream, if desired, adding a creamy and tangy component to the dish, balancing the spiciness and adding a velvety smoothness to each bite.
- 3/8 tsp ground cumin – Three-eighths of a teaspoon of ground cumin providing a warm and earthy flavor, adding depth and complexity to the dish, and complementing the other spices and ingredients.
- Shredded lettuce – Shredded lettuce adding a crisp and refreshing element to the dish, providing a cool and crunchy texture that complements the other flavors.
- 1/4 white onion diced – One-fourth of a white onion, diced, offering a crisp and slightly pungent flavor to the dish, adding a fresh and savory element to the overall taste profile.
- 4 oz shredded Mexican cheese – Four ounces of shredded Mexican cheese creating a rich and melty texture, adding a creamy and tangy flavor to the dish, and providing a delightful cheesy layer.
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper – One-eighth of a teaspoon of cayenne pepper adding a fiery and spicy kick to the dish, heightening the overall flavor profile and adding a touch of heat.
- 3/4 tsp dried chives – Three-fourths of a teaspoon of dried chives offering a delicate and onion-like flavor to the dish, adding a mild and aromatic note that complements the other ingredients.
- 10 corn tortillas – Ten corn tortillas providing a traditional and authentic base for the dish, with a slightly chewy texture and a subtle corn flavor that complements the filling.
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil – Three-fourths of a cup of vegetable oil serving as a cooking medium, adding a neutral flavor and ensuring a crispy and golden texture when frying the tortillas.
- 1/4 tsp One-fourth of a teaspoon of ground black pepper offering a bold and spicy kick to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile and adding depth to the ground beef.
- 2 Roma tomatoes chopped – Two Roma tomatoes, chopped, adding a fresh and vibrant element to the dish, providing a juicy and slightly tangy flavor that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
- Hot sauce optional – Hot sauce, if desired, offering a fiery and tangy kick to the dish, adding an extra layer of heat and flavor for those who enjoy spiciness.
- 1/2 lb ground beef – Half a pound of ground beef providing a savory and juicy meat component for the dish, with a perfect balance of flavors and a tender texture.
Instructions
- Start with lightly browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break apart with a wooden spoon and season generously with garlic powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, black pepper, onion powder and salt.
- Once the beef is cooked through, add the tomatoes and oregano. Stir occasionally until most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Working one at a time, place each tortilla in the hot oil for about 30 seconds per side or until lightly browned and crispy. Use tongs to flip it over.
- Place the fried tortilla on a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
- Once all the tortillas are fried, spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto one-half of each. Top with shredded cheese, diced onion, lettuce and sour cream if desired.
- Fold the other half of each tortilla over and press lightly to seal.
- Place all the tacos back into the skillet with oil for about 1 minute per side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve immediately with hot sauce if desired, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Amount Per Serving
Calories 202 ; Fat 13g,20% Saturated Fat 6g ,38%Cholesterol 36mg, 12% Sodium 102mg, 4% Potassium 158 mg, 5% Carbohydrates 12g, 4% Fibre 2g, 8% Sugar 1g, 1% Protein 10g, 20% Vitamin A 62IU,1% Calcium 89 mg, 9% Iron 1mg, 6%.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000-calorie diet.
What to serve with fried ground beef tacos?
Fried ground beef tacos can be served as is or with various sides such as refried beans, Spanish rice, guacamole, salsa, sour cream and shredded cheese. They can also be topped with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and cilantro.
How to store leftover fried ground beef tacos?
Leftover tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat them, you can either microwave them or place them in a skillet over medium-low heat until warm.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, this dish is safe to eat for pregnant women as long as the beef is cooked thoroughly.
FAQs
Can I make these tacos with a different type of ground meat?
Yes, you can use any type of ground meat that you prefer such as chicken, turkey or pork. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the tacos.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, you can use either type of tortilla for this recipe. Just be aware that flour tortillas require less oil and are slightly more delicate when frying.
Wrapping up
Fried ground beef tacos are a delicious and easy Mexican-inspired dish. They’re filled with flavorful ground beef, cheese, lettuce and onion, then lightly fried for maximum crunch. Serve them as is or with any of your favorite sides – they will surely be a hit!
With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s ready in no time.
If you have any questions or comments about this recipe, feel free to leave them in the comment section below. We’d love to hear from you!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
