Tacos dorados with ground beef are a crispy, flavorful Mexican dish that is easy to make and loved by all. If you're looking for a recipe that will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests, you’ve come to the right place! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making the perfect tacos dorados with ground beef—from the ingredients list, step-by-step cooking instructions, variations, to tips on how to serve these delicious treats. Ready to dive into crispy taco heaven? Let’s get started!

What Are Tacos Dorados?
Tacos dorados, or "golden tacos," are a traditional Mexican dish where tortillas are filled with various ingredients—usually ground beef, shredded chicken, or mashed potatoes—then rolled up and fried to perfection until crispy and golden brown. Unlike soft tacos, these are fried to create a crunchy, satisfying bite that contrasts beautifully with the soft fillings. Tacos dorados are often served with toppings like shredded lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and salsa, making for a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Ingredients List for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef
To prepare authentic and delicious tacos dorados with ground beef, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ cup tomato sauce or salsa
- ¼ cup beef or chicken broth
For the Tacos:
- 12-16 small corn tortillas (6-inch size)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Toothpicks (to hold the tacos together while frying)
For Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage
- Crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or Mexican crema
- Pico de gallo or your favorite salsa
- Guacamole (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Substitutions and Variations for Tacos Dorados
One of the best things about tacos dorados is that they are highly adaptable. Here are some easy substitutions and variations you can try:
Protein Variations:
- Chicken Tacos Dorados: Instead of ground beef, you can use shredded cooked chicken, which works beautifully with the same seasoning mix. Simply substitute 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken for the ground beef.
- Vegetarian Tacos Dorados: You can replace the beef with mashed black beans or refried beans for a vegetarian version. Lentils or plant-based ground meat alternatives also work well.
Tortilla Options:
- Flour Tortillas: While corn tortillas are traditional, you can use small flour tortillas for a softer texture.
- Gluten-Free: Stick with corn tortillas if you need a gluten-free option, or look for specially marked gluten-free tortillas.
Extra Fillings:
- Add cheese to the filling mixture to make cheesy tacos dorados. Queso fresco or shredded cheddar melts beautifully inside the tacos.
Spice Adjustments:
- If you prefer your tacos spicier, you can add extra jalapeños or serrano peppers to the ground beef mixture, or top your tacos with hot sauce.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we have everything ready, let’s move on to the cooking process. Follow these steps to prepare crispy and flavorful tacos dorados with ground beef.
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef Filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and jalapeño (if using), and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the beef with cumin, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and broth, then let the mixture simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then remove from heat.
Step 2: Assemble the Tacos
- Heat the tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet until they are soft and pliable.
- Place 1-2 tablespoons of the beef mixture in the center of each tortilla.
- Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and secure it with a toothpick to prevent it from unrolling while frying.
Step 3: Fry the Tacos
- Heat about ¼ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the rolled tacos in the oil seam-side down. Fry in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden and crispy.
- Remove the fried tacos with tongs and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve
- Once the tacos are all fried and crispy, remove the toothpicks and place them on a serving platter.
- Top each taco with shredded lettuce or cabbage, crumbled cheese, sour cream, and salsa.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for an extra pop of flavor.
How to Cook Tacos Dorados: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking tacos dorados with ground beef is straightforward, but here are a few essential tips to make sure everything goes smoothly:
- Prepare Your Filling First – Make sure your beef filling is well-seasoned and ready before you start rolling the tacos. This allows you to focus on assembly and frying without worrying about the filling.
- Soften the Tortillas – Cold tortillas will crack when rolled, so make sure to warm them briefly to make them pliable. You can wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 20-30 seconds or lightly toast them on a hot skillet.
- Fry in Batches – Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy tacos. Fry in small batches to ensure even crisping.
- Drain Excess Oil – After frying, place the tacos on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any extra oil. This will help keep the tacos crispy without being too greasy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overstuffing the Tacos: Adding too much filling can cause the tacos to burst open while frying. Stick to 1-2 tablespoons of filling per tortilla.
- Skipping the Toothpicks: Skipping this step can lead to the tacos unrolling during frying. Always secure the tacos with a toothpick before placing them in the hot oil.
- Not Preheating the Oil: Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil is not hot, the tacos will absorb too much oil and become soggy instead of crispy.
- Using Cold Tortillas: Cold tortillas are prone to cracking when rolled. Always warm them before filling and rolling.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation can make all the difference in elevating a simple dish like tacos dorados into something truly special. Here are a few serving and presentation tips to help make your tacos dorados a show-stopper:
How to Serve Tacos Dorados
Serve your tacos dorados immediately after frying while they’re still hot and crispy. Arrange them neatly on a serving platter and offer a variety of toppings on the side. Let your guests customize their tacos with lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and salsa for an interactive dining experience.
Presentation Ideas for Tacos Dorados
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top for a vibrant and fresh pop of color.
- Use colorful toppings: Brighten up your tacos with red salsa, green guacamole, and white sour cream. This not only adds flavor but also creates a beautiful contrast of colors.
- Serve with lime wedges: Lime adds a zesty kick, and serving wedges on the side allows everyone to squeeze as much or as little as they like.
Tacos Dorados Recipe Tips
- For extra flavor, you can add a spoonful of refried beans to the tortilla before adding the beef filling.
- Double-frying the tacos: If you want them extra crispy, consider frying the rolled tacos once, letting them cool slightly, and then frying them again for a second time.
- Experiment with different salsas—try green tomatillo salsa or chipotle salsa for added variety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I bake tacos dorados instead of frying them?
Yes! If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can bake your tacos dorados. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), lightly brush the tacos with oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure they get crispy all around.
Can I make tacos dorados ahead of time?
You can prepare the ground beef filling in advance, but it’s best to assemble and fry the tacos right before serving to maintain their crispiness.
How do I store leftover tacos dorados?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F until crispy.
Can I freeze tacos dorados?
Yes, you can freeze them! Assemble the tacos and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to eat, fry them straight from the freezer.
Conclusion
Tacos dorados with ground beef are a fantastic way to enjoy a classic Mexican dish that’s both crispy and flavorful. Whether you’re serving them as a main course, a snack, or at a party, these golden tacos are sure to impress. With simple ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and endless customization options, this recipe will become a favorite in no time. So gather your ingredients, roll up those tortillas, and enjoy the crunchy, savory delight of tacos dorados with ground beef!
PrintTacos Dorados With Ground Beef Recipe
Tacos Dorados with ground beef are a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican dish featuring crispy, golden-fried tortillas filled with seasoned beef. Serve with toppings like lettuce, salsa, and cheese for an authentic experience. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Keywords: tacos dorados, ground beef tacos, crispy tacos.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 tacos 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- Toppings: shredded lettuce, salsa, sour cream, cheese
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Warm the tortillas slightly to make them pliable.
- Spoon a small amount of beef filling into each tortilla and fold in half.
- Fry the tacos in hot oil until golden and crispy, about 2 minutes per side.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Warm tortillas in the microwave for easier folding.
- Make sure not to overfill tacos to prevent them from breaking during frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
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