Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Crispy Ground Beef Tacos

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Crispy pan-fried tacos filled with seasoned ground beef and melted mozzarella cheese, folded in flour tortillas and cooked until golden and crunchy. A quick, flavorful meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or casual gatherings.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings (8 tacos)

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef (90/10 lean)
  • 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup water or beef broth
  • Salt to taste
  • 8 small flour tortillas (about 6 inches)
  • 2 to 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons avocado oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add the ground beef and cook while breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula for about 4 to 5 minutes until mostly browned.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste and taco seasoning until the beef is evenly coated.
  5. Add the water or beef broth if the mixture appears dry and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and most of the liquid has evaporated.
  6. Taste the filling and add salt if needed. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
  7. Place a tortilla on a clean work surface and sprinkle 1½ to 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella on the top half.
  8. Add a portion of the cooked beef mixture over the cheese.
  9. Top the beef with another 1½ to 2 tablespoons of mozzarella cheese.
  10. Fold the bottom half of the tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press gently to seal.
  11. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese to assemble 8 tacos.
  12. Heat 3 to 4 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  13. Cook the tacos in batches for about 1 minute per side until golden brown and crispy.
  14. Transfer cooked tacos to a wire rack placed over a baking sheet to keep them crisp.
  15. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Do not overfill the tacos to prevent them from opening while frying.
  • Place cooked tacos on a wire rack instead of a plate to keep them crispy.
  • Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican cheese blends can replace mozzarella.
  • The beef filling can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
  • Tacos can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes instead of frying for a lighter option.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Halal

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tacos
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg