Crispy Ground Beef Tacos

Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are a beloved classic that brings together flavorful seasoned beef, crunchy fried corn tortillas, and fresh toppings to create a satisfying and fun meal. These tacos offer a perfect balance of spicy, savory meat and crispy shells that hold all your favorite garnishes in every bite.

You will love these tacos for their bold, authentic flavor, combined with the irresistible texture of homemade crispy taco shells. They are easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners, casual parties, or a festive taco night with family and friends.

Ingredients

Ground Beef Taco Meat:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• Pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)

Tacos:

• 12 corn tortillas
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 2 cups Romaine lettuce, finely shredded
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1-2 Roma tomatoes, chopped

How to Create Your Crispy Ground Beef Tacos

Step 1: Prepare Taco Seasoning

Combine chili powder, cumin, cornstarch, salt, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Add the taco seasoning and stir well to combine. Stir in black beans if using and keep on low heat while you prepare the taco shells.

Step 3: Make Crunchy Tortilla Shells

Fill a medium pot or skillet with vegetable oil to about 1-inch deep. Heat oil to 325°F (160°C). Using tongs, dip one half of each corn tortilla into the hot oil while folding the other half over, but keeping it out of the oil, forming a “U” or taco shell shape. Fry for about 1 minute per side, or until golden and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Step 4: Assemble Tacos

Fill each crispy shell with a generous spoonful of ground beef mixture. Top with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Add salsa, guacamole, or other favorite toppings as desired.

My Best Tips for Success

• Warm tortillas before frying to prevent cracking.

• Season meat generously for best flavor.

• Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature for perfect crispness.

• Don’t overfill tacos to avoid spilling.

• Drain excess oil from fried tortillas on paper towels.

• Serve immediately for best texture.

Delicious Variations to Try

• Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey.

• Use flour tortillas for softer tacos.

• Add pickled onions, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.

• Top with Mexican crema or cotija cheese.

• Serve with Mexican rice or street corn for a full meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake the tacos instead of frying?

Yes, brush tortillas with oil, fill, and bake at 400°F for 10–15 minutes until crisp.

What can I use instead of black beans?

Pinto beans or refried beans are great alternatives.

How long can leftover taco meat be stored?

Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days.

Are corn tortillas gluten-free?

Yes, naturally gluten-free, but check packaging for cross-contamination.

Can I make the taco seasoning from scratch?

Absolutely! Combine your preferred spices as listed above.

How do I reheat crispy taco shells?

Warm in the oven for a few minutes to re-crisp.

Crispy Ground Beef Tacos

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• Author: Emma Hart
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 tacos (4 servings) 1x

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Description

A classic with seasoned ground beef served in crunchy corn tortillas with fresh toppings. Balanced smoky spice, juicy meat, and crispy shells perfect for taco nights.

See also  Cranberry and turkey stuffing balls

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb lean ground beef

1 tbsp chili powder

1½ tsp ground cumin

1 tsp cornstarch

1 tsp kosher salt

½ tsp paprika

½ tsp black pepper

¼ tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp onion powder

¼ tsp dried oregano

Pinch of cayenne pepper

1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)

12 corn tortillas

Vegetable oil, for frying

2 cups shredded Romaine lettuce

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup sour cream

2 Roma tomatoes, chopped

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Instructions

1. Make seasoning: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, cornstarch, salt, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne. Set aside.

2. Cook beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking up into small crumbles. Drain any grease if needed. Add seasoning blend and stir to coat evenly. Add black beans if using, and keep mixture warm on low.

3. Fry taco shells: Heat 1 inch of oil in a skillet to 325°F (160°C). Using tongs, dip one half of a tortilla into the hot oil while holding the other half up to form a U‑shape. Fry each side about 1 minute until golden and crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Repeat.

4. Assemble: Spoon beef mixture into taco shells. Top with lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and sour cream. Add salsa, guacamole, or toppings of your choice. Serve immediately.

Notes

Warm tortillas before frying to reduce cracking. Maintain oil temperature for crispy shells. Season beef liberally for bold flavor. Avoid overfilling tacos to keep shells intact. Serve fresh for crisp texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish, Tacos
• Method: Frying / Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 taco (1/12 recipe)
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg

Keywords: crispy ground beef tacos, homemade taco shells, seasoned taco meat, crunchy beef tacos, mexican street tacos