Description
These Crispy Ground Beef Tacos bring a delightful crunch combined with a rich, cheesy filling inspired by traditional family recipes. Seasoned ground beef is cooked with aromatic spices, then folded inside crisped tortillas with melted Monterey Jack cheese, ready to be garnished with fresh toppings for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal loved by all ages.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef, 90/10 or 85/15
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 3/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped
For Assembly
- Small flour or corn tortillas, for tacos
- Oil, for frying tacos (avocado oil recommended)
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Avocado
- Shredded lettuce
- Sour cream
- Tomatoes
- Pickled jalapeños
Instructions
- Make the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until golden and fragrant. Then add the ground beef along with chili powder, coriander, salt, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and onion powder. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break up the meat finely. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and cooked through. Stir in the tomato sauce and chopped cilantro. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Tacos: Heat a clean pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of avocado oil. Place tortillas in the pan as many as fit comfortably. To one half of each tortilla, spoon some of the cooked ground beef and sprinkle with shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Fold the other half over the filling to close the taco. Cook until the tortilla side is golden and crispy, then flip and cook the other side similarly.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Remove the crispy tacos from the pan and open them gently. Stuff with preferred toppings such as shredded lettuce, slices of avocado, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and pickled jalapeños. Serve immediately while the cheese is melty and the tacos are crisp.
Notes
- Use small tortillas for authentic taco sizes and easier folding.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your spice preference; more chili powder for heat or less salt if watching sodium intake.
- For extra crispiness, press the tacos slightly with a spatula while cooking.
- This recipe can be made with either flour or corn tortillas depending on your preference or dietary needs.
- Leftover ground beef can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated for quick meals.
