If you’re craving a crispy, flavorful, and satisfying meal, look no further than Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef. Also known as "golden tacos," these crispy delights are packed with savory seasoned ground beef and then fried to perfection for a delicious crunch in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe will be a hit. Follow along as we walk you through everything you need to know to make the best Tacos Dorados right in your own kitchen!

What Are Tacos Dorados?
Tacos Dorados, or "Golden Tacos," are tortillas stuffed with a filling (commonly beef, chicken, or beans), folded in half, and then fried until crispy. They are a traditional Mexican dish often served with a variety of toppings such as lettuce, salsa, guacamole, and cheese. Tacos Dorados are different from regular soft tacos because of their crispy shell, making them more similar to taquitos or flautas. The golden-brown crunch combined with flavorful fillings makes this dish irresistible.
Ingredients List for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef – Use lean ground beef or any type of ground meat you prefer.
- 12 corn tortillas – Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas can also be used.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped – Adds flavor and texture to the filling.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – A must for any delicious taco filling.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin – Provides earthy and warm flavors.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder – Adds mild heat and a depth of flavor.
- ½ teaspoon paprika – For a smoky touch.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning.
- ½ cup grated cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (optional) – Adds richness to the filling.
- Vegetable oil – For frying the tacos.
- Toothpicks – Used to hold the tacos closed while frying.
Toppings for Tacos Dorados
Tacos Dorados are traditionally served with an array of toppings to complement the crunchy shell and savory filling. Here are some topping ideas:
- Shredded lettuce – Adds freshness and crunch.
- Sour cream – For a creamy, tangy contrast to the crispy tacos.
- Crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese – Adds a salty, crumbly texture.
- Sliced avocado or guacamole – Creamy avocado balances the fried taco’s texture.
- Pico de gallo or salsa – Adds freshness and spice.
- Chopped cilantro – For an extra burst of flavor.
- Pickled jalapeños – Adds a tangy and spicy kick.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the joys of cooking tacos is how versatile they are. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try with your Tacos Dorados recipe:
- Different meats: Instead of ground beef, you can use ground chicken, turkey, or even pork for a different flavor profile. Shredded chicken or beef also works great in Tacos Dorados.
- Cheese alternatives: While cheese is optional, if you want a dairy-free version, you can skip it or use a plant-based cheese.
- Vegetarian option: Swap the ground beef for a bean filling. Refried beans or black beans seasoned with spices make an excellent vegetarian alternative.
- Tortilla choice: Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas can be used if you prefer. Just note that flour tortillas may become slightly softer than corn tortillas after frying.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to make your Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef:
- Prepare the Filling:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and sauté the chopped onion for 2–3 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning. - Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until fully browned, about 7–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat. - Season the Beef:
Stir in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the spices cook with the beef for another 2–3 minutes to fully develop their flavors. If you want, you can also stir in grated cheese at this point to make the filling richer. - Warm the Tortillas:
Heat the corn tortillas in the microwave or in a dry skillet for a few seconds to make them more pliable and prevent them from cracking when folded. - Fill the Tortillas:
Place about 2 tablespoons of the seasoned ground beef mixture in the center of each tortilla. Fold the tortilla in half, pressing the edges together, and secure them with a toothpick to keep them closed while frying. - Fry the Tacos:
Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or when a small piece of tortilla sizzles immediately when dropped in), carefully add 2–3 tacos at a time. Fry the tacos for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip them and ensure even frying. - Drain the Tacos:
Once the tacos are crispy and golden, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Remove the toothpicks once they are cool enough to handle. - Repeat:
Continue frying the remaining tacos, ensuring that the oil remains at the right temperature for even frying.
How to Cook Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Cook the filling: Brown the ground beef with onions, garlic, and spices.
- Prepare the tortillas: Warm tortillas to make them pliable.
- Assemble the tacos: Fill each tortilla with the ground beef mixture and fold it in half.
- Fry the tacos: Fry the tacos in hot oil until golden and crispy.
- Drain and serve: Drain the tacos on paper towels and serve with your favorite toppings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the tortillas: Adding too much filling can cause the tacos to burst open during frying. Stick to about 2 tablespoons of filling per taco for the best results.
- Not securing the tacos: Forgetting to use toothpicks can result in the tacos opening up while frying, which will make a mess and result in uneven cooking.
- Using cold tortillas: If your tortillas are not warmed, they might crack when you try to fold them. Always heat the tortillas before assembling the tacos.
- Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many tacos at once lowers the oil temperature, resulting in greasy, soggy tacos. Fry in batches to maintain crispy tacos.
Serving and Presentation Tips
For a beautiful and delicious meal, present your Tacos Dorados with a variety of colorful toppings. Here are some tips to make your dish stand out:
- Serve with dips: A side of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream gives your guests dipping options to enhance each bite.
- Add lime wedges: Fresh lime juice adds a zesty flavor that balances the richness of the fried tacos.
- Colorful toppings: A variety of colorful toppings like red salsa, green cilantro, and yellow cheese makes your tacos look even more appetizing.
- Serve family style: Present the tacos on a large platter with all the toppings on the side, allowing everyone to customize their own tacos.
How to Serve Tacos Dorados
Serve your Tacos Dorados hot and crispy, topped with shredded lettuce, cheese, salsa, sour cream, and any other toppings you like. These tacos go perfectly with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad. For an authentic touch, pair them with a refreshing agua fresca or a cold cerveza.
Presentation Ideas for Tacos Dorados
- Skillet presentation: Serve the tacos directly in a rustic cast iron skillet for a casual, family-style presentation.
- Taco stand setup: Create a taco bar with an array of toppings in small bowls, letting everyone customize their tacos.
- Plate individually: For a more refined presentation, plate 2–3 tacos per person, topped with a variety of colorful ingredients and a sprinkle of cheese and cilantro.
Tacos Dorados Recipe Tips
- Prevent oil splatters: To avoid splattering, ensure the tacos are dry before placing them in the hot oil.
- Don’t skip the seasoning: The spices in the ground beef are what make the filling flavorful, so don’t skimp on seasoning.
- Test the oil: Before frying, drop a small piece of tortilla into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready for frying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I bake Tacos Dorados instead of frying them?
Yes, for a healthier option, you can bake the tacos. Brush them lightly with oil and bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas, but they will be softer after frying. Corn tortillas are preferred for their crisp texture.
**How
do I store leftover Tacos Dorados?**
Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F to restore crispiness.
Conclusion
Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef are a crispy, flavorful delight that’s sure to please everyone at the table. The crunchy shell combined with the savory beef filling and fresh toppings creates a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these tacos are easy to make and impossible to resist. Don’t forget to customize them with your favorite toppings and try out the variations for your own unique twist!
PrintTacos Dorados with Ground Beef Recipe
Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef are a delicious and crispy Mexican favorite. These golden fried tacos are filled with seasoned ground beef, wrapped in soft tortillas, and fried to perfection. Serve with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for an irresistible meal. Keywords: tacos dorados, ground beef tacos, crispy tacos, Mexican recipes, fried tacos.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 tacos 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 small corn tortillas
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- ½ cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it browns. Add onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is fully browned and onions are soft.
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a griddle to make them pliable.
- Spoon a portion of the beef mixture onto each tortilla, fold in half, and press gently to secure.
- Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the tacos in batches until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve with toppings like sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.
Notes
- Make sure to warm the tortillas before filling to prevent them from breaking.
- For a healthier version, you can bake the tacos instead of frying at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Add cheese inside the tacos before frying for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
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