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Crispy Beef Tacos

Easy Crispy Beef Tacos filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, then skillet-cooked until golden and crunchy
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 tacos
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/3 cup water or beef broth
  • 8 small flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican-style cheese
  • 1 –2 tablespoons neutral oil for crisping
  • For serving:
  • Salsa
  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it into irregular crumbles, until browned.
  3. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  4. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
  5. Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  6. Cook for approximately 30 seconds.
  7. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
  8. Add the water or beef broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the filling is flavorful and moist but not runny.
  9. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  10. Lay the tortillas flat and sprinkle cheese over one half of each tortilla.
  11. Divide the seasoned beef between the tortillas.
  12. Top with additional cheese and fold each tortilla in half.
  13. Heat a thin layer of neutral oil in a clean skillet over medium heat.
  14. Cook the tacos in batches for approximately 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.
  15. Transfer to a plate or wire rack.
  16. Serve immediately with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime.