These crispy cheesy ground beef tacos are a fun and tasty treat! With crunchy shells filled with seasoned beef and melted cheese, they’re sure to please everyone at the table.
I love how easy they are to whip up! Just brown the beef, add some spices, and fill the shells. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend fiesta. 🌮😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for healthier options, ground turkey or chicken works well too, but they may require more seasoning to compensate for less fat.
Taco Seasoning: You can use store-bought seasoning for convenience, but making your own is simple! Just mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. It tastes fresher and can be customized to your liking.
Tortillas: While flour tortillas are popular for these tacos, corn tortillas offer a lovely crunch and a different flavor. If gluten-free is a must, corn tortillas are a great choice!
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic, but feel free to use Mexican blend cheese or even a pepper jack for some extra kick. If you’re dairy-free, look for plant-based cheese alternatives that melt well.
How Can I Get My Tacos Crispy Without Burning Them?
The key to crispy tacos is the frying method. Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Heat the oil to medium—not too hot, or the tortillas will burn before they crisp. Use a small piece of tortilla to test; it should sizzle when it’s ready.
- Fry each taco for about 2-3 minutes per side, flipping gently with tongs. This ensures even browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; fry a few at a time to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain on paper towels immediately to remove excess oil and keep them crispy.
Taking your time will make a big difference! Enjoy your taco night!
Crispy Cheesy Ground Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or about 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/4 cup water
- 8 small to medium flour or corn tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and an additional 10-15 minutes for cooking, giving you a total of approximately 30 minutes to have these tasty tacos ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until it starts to brown. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. This should take about 5 minutes.
2. Add Onions and Garlic:
Next, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened, about 5 more minutes. Feel free to stir occasionally!
3. Season the Beef:
If there’s any excess fat in the pan, drain it out. Now, sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mix and add the water. Stir well until everything is combined. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together!
4. Prepare for Frying:
While the beef is simmering, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in another skillet over medium heat. It should be hot but not smoking—perfect for frying!
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Take one tortilla and sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese on one half. Then spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the seasoned beef over the cheese. Fold the tortilla in half gently, pressing it down lightly to seal.
6. Fry the Tacos:
Carefully place the folded taco into the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip them carefully so they don’t break apart!
7. Drain and Repeat:
Once fried, remove the tacos from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. This helps absorb any extra oil. Continue frying the remaining tortillas until they are all crispy and delicious!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the crispy cheesy beef tacos hot, and don’t forget to add your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, jalapeños, or cilantro. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Crispy Cheesy Ground Beef Tacos
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well in this recipe. Just be mindful that some leaner meats may need extra seasoning for flavor.
Can I Make These Tacos Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the beef and fry the tortillas fresh for the best crunch.
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
To store leftover tacos, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the best texture, consider reheating them in an oven or air fryer to crisp them up again.
What Can I Use Instead of Oil for Frying?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can bake the tacos in the oven! Preheat to 400°F, place the assembled tacos on a baking sheet, and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through.
