If you're looking for a tasty, crunchy, and savory meal, Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef is an excellent choice. This recipe brings together the rich flavors of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and crispy fried corn tortillas for a mouthwatering meal that's perfect for any occasion. In this article, we'll take you through the step-by-step process of making the best Tacos Dorados from scratch. From the ingredients to the cooking techniques, we've got you covered. So keep reading to learn everything you need to know about creating the ultimate Tacos Dorados!
What Are Tacos Dorados?
Tacos Dorados, or "Golden Tacos," are a popular Mexican dish where corn tortillas are filled with a savory filling, often beef or chicken, and then fried until they reach a crispy golden-brown perfection. Unlike soft tacos, these tacos are fried, giving them their distinctive crunch. They are commonly served with fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sour cream, making them a flavorful and texturally delightful experience. With this recipe, we'll show you how to make Tacos Dorados filled with seasoned ground beef and a delicious cheese blend.
Ingredients List for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef
For the Ground Beef Filling:
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef: Provides a hearty and flavorful base for the taco filling.
- 1 jalapeño, seeds removed, diced: Adds a touch of heat and brightness to the dish.
- 1 white onion, diced: Enhances the savory flavor of the beef and adds texture.
- 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama: A Cajun seasoning that gives the beef a bold, spicy kick.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the beef with an aromatic and savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds an earthy, slightly nutty taste that complements the beef.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: For a little extra spice and depth of flavor.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Kicks up the heat level for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
For the Cheese Blend:
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded: Provides a creamy texture and mild flavor.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Adds a sharp, tangy taste that complements the Monterey Jack.
For the Tacos:
- 12 corn tortillas: The essential component that gives Tacos Dorados their crispy exterior.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: Used to fry the tortillas, making them crunchy and golden.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about Tacos Dorados is their versatility. You can easily switch up the ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
- Meat Alternatives: If you don't eat beef, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless alternative like seasoned tofu or plant-based ground meat.
- Cheese Variations: You can mix up the cheese blend by using queso fresco, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for an extra kick.
- Tortilla Types: While corn tortillas are traditional, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer a different texture.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef for black beans, refried beans, or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly taco.
- Additional Spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices like paprika, smoked paprika, or chili powder to tailor the flavor to your taste.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it's time to dive into the cooking process. Follow these detailed instructions to create crispy, flavorful Tacos Dorados that will impress your friends and family.

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef Filling
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Once the beef is browned, add the diced jalapeño, diced onion, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the onions have softened and the jalapeño has infused the beef with a subtle heat.
- Drain Excess Fat: If your ground beef releases a lot of grease, carefully drain the excess fat from the skillet to prevent your filling from being too greasy.
- Combine with Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese into the beef mixture, creating a creamy and savory filling.
Step 2: Assemble the Tacos
- Warm the Tortillas: Before filling the tortillas, it's important to warm them slightly to make them pliable. You can do this by heating them in a dry skillet for about 20-30 seconds on each side or microwaving them with a damp paper towel for 30 seconds.
- Fill the Tortillas: Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the beef and cheese mixture onto each warm tortilla. Fold the tortillas in half to form a taco shape, pressing down lightly to seal the edges.
Step 3: Fry the Tacos Dorados
- Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan, about ¼ inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. To test if the oil is ready, place a small piece of tortilla in the oil. If it sizzles immediately, it's ready for frying.
- Fry the Tacos: Carefully place 2-3 tacos at a time into the hot oil. Fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the tacos halfway through the frying process.
- Drain the Tacos: Once the tacos are fried to perfection, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the Tacos: Avoid overstuffing the tortillas, as this can make it difficult to seal the tacos properly and may cause the filling to spill out during frying.
- Not Warming the Tortillas: If you don't warm the tortillas before filling them, they can crack or break when folded.
- Oil Temperature Too Low: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the tacos will absorb too much oil and become soggy rather than crispy. Ensure the oil is properly heated before frying.
- Crowding the Pan: Fry the tacos in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in unevenly fried tacos.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Tacos Dorados are best served immediately after frying while they are still hot and crispy. Here are a few ways to serve and present your tacos to make them even more appealing.
How to Serve Tacos Dorados
- With Fresh Toppings: Serve your tacos with fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. The contrast between the crispy taco and the cool, fresh toppings is delicious.
- With Dipping Sauces: Offer dipping sauces like salsa verde, crema, or hot sauce on the side for added flavor.
- As Part of a Full Meal: Pair the tacos with traditional Mexican sides like rice and beans, or serve them alongside a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Presentation Ideas for Tacos Dorados
- Stacked Presentation: Arrange the tacos in a neat stack on a plate, topped with a sprinkle of cheese and a drizzle of crema for a restaurant-style presentation.
- Taco Bar: Set up a taco bar with different toppings and sauces so guests can customize their own Tacos Dorados.
- Serving Platter: Arrange the tacos on a large serving platter with bowls of toppings on the side, perfect for a party or family dinner.
Tacos Dorados Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Tortillas: For the best results, use fresh corn tortillas. Stale tortillas can crack and break when folded.
- Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: The cheese adds richness to the filling and helps bind the ingredients together. Don't be shy about adding a little extra!
- Fry in Batches: To avoid lowering the oil temperature, fry the tacos in small batches. This ensures even cooking and crispy results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I bake Tacos Dorados instead of frying them?
Yes! If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the tacos. Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the filled tortillas on a baking sheet, and brush them lightly with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
Can I make Tacos Dorados ahead of time?
It's best to enjoy Tacos Dorados fresh for maximum crunch. However, you can prepare the beef filling in advance and assemble the tacos just before frying.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover Tacos Dorados?
To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until they are crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the tacos soggy.
Conclusion
Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef are a perfect way to enjoy a classic Mexican dish with a crispy twist. The combination of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and crunchy tortillas creates a satisfying and delicious meal that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you're making them for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will leave everyone craving more. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy your homemade Tacos Dorados!
PrintTacos Dorados With Ground Beef Recipe
Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef offer a flavorful and crispy meal filled with seasoned beef, jalapenos, onions, and cheese. This easy-to-make Mexican recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Keywords: tacos dorados, ground beef tacos, crispy tacos, Mexican fried tacos.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 tacos 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 jalapeno, seeds removed, diced
- 1 white onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 12 corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat.
- Add diced jalapeno, onion, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until beef is fully browned and vegetables are tender.
- Remove from heat and mix in Monterey jack and cheddar cheese until melted.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan.
- Place a portion of the beef mixture in the center of each tortilla, fold in half, and fry in hot oil until golden and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for extra flavor.
- You can bake these tacos for a healthier alternative instead of frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
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