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