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A plate of delicious crispy beef tacos filled with fresh toppings

Crispy Beef Tacos

These crispy beef tacos feature seasoned ground beef encased in perfectly fried corn tortillas, ready to be customized with your favorite fresh toppings for a satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Breakfast
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef Filling
  • 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 medium Onion chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Chili Powder
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 0.5 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 0.5 tsp Dried Oregano
  • Cayenne Pepper or Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for heat) Pinch
  • 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 0.5 cup Beef Broth
  • Salt to taste
  • Black Pepper to taste
Taco Shells & Toppings
  • 12 Corn Tortillas
  • 0.5 inch Vegetable, Canola, or light Olive Oil (for frying)
  • Toppings Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack), sour cream, salsa, avocado or guacamole, fresh cilantro, lime wedges

Equipment

  • large skillet or Dutch oven
  • tongs
  • wire rack
  • paper towels
  • taco rack (optional)

Method
 

Prepare the Beef Filling
  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up and draining any excess fat.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, then stir in minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute to toast spices.
  4. Add tomato paste and beef broth, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low for 10-15 minutes, adjusting consistency and seasonings as needed.
Crisp the Tortillas
  1. Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a separate skillet until shimmering, then dip each corn tortilla for 10-15 seconds per side until softened.
  2. Carefully fold each softened tortilla in half around a small amount of beef filling, holding it until it retains its shape.
  3. Fry the folded tacos for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, working in batches if necessary.
  4. Transfer the crispy tacos to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil before serving.
Assemble and Enjoy
  1. Fill the crispy taco shells with the remaining seasoned beef and your preferred toppings, then serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a bay leaf to the beef filling while it simmers, removing it before serving. Make sure the oil is hot enough to crisp the tortillas quickly without making them greasy. A small amount of filling initially helps the tortillas hold their shape during frying. Feel free to customize toppings based on your preference; a homemade salsa or a dollop of fresh guacamole elevates these tacos even further.