Tacos Dorados, or "Golden Tacos," are a staple of Mexican cuisine that never fails to impress. These crispy, golden tacos filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese deliver a delicious, satisfying crunch in every bite. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a party with friends, this Tacos Dorados recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Follow this step-by-step guide to create the perfect, crispy Tacos Dorados with ground beef. Keep reading to find out how to master this irresistible dish!

What Are Tacos Dorados?
Tacos Dorados, translated as "Golden Tacos," are crispy, deep-fried tortillas stuffed with a variety of fillings like shredded chicken, potatoes, or ground beef. Unlike traditional soft tacos, these are cooked until crispy, giving them their signature golden hue and satisfying crunch. While the filling options are endless, this recipe focuses on Tacos Dorados with a flavorful ground beef filling. The combination of seasoned meat and cheese makes this dish a comfort food classic with bold flavors. Let’s dive into how to make the best Tacos Dorados from scratch!
Ingredients List for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these crunchy tacos at home:
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef: The star of the dish, providing protein and richness.
- 1 jalapeno, seeds removed, diced: Adds just the right amount of heat to the filling.
- 1 white onion, diced: Gives the dish a nice texture and a sweet, slightly tangy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning: A perfect blend of spices to elevate the flavors. You can substitute with your preferred all-purpose seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the flavor of the beef filling.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds a warm, earthy taste that's essential in many Mexican dishes.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: For a subtle kick of spice and to balance the overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Optional for an extra touch of heat.
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded: For a creamy, melty texture that pairs well with the ground beef.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Adds sharpness and depth of flavor.
- 12 corn tortillas: The base for your tacos. Corn tortillas crisp up nicely when fried.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: Ensures a golden and crunchy exterior for the tacos.
Substitutions and Variations
Tacos Dorados are versatile, and you can customize the filling and spices to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:
- Ground Chicken or Turkey: Swap out ground beef for a leaner protein like chicken or turkey. Just make sure to adjust seasoning as poultry can be a little blander than beef.
- Spicier Jalapeno Alternatives: For more heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeno, or swap it out for a serrano pepper.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or mashed potatoes for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Different Cheeses: Swap out Monterey Jack and cheddar for Oaxaca or Cotija cheese for a more authentic Mexican flavor.
- Flour Tortillas: You can use flour tortillas instead of corn, but note that corn tortillas are more traditional and will give a crispier texture when fried.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to make the perfect Tacos Dorados with ground beef:

- Prepare the Ground Beef Filling
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned. Break it up into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess fat. - Add Vegetables and Spices
Add the diced jalapeno and onion to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the jalapeno is soft, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the Slap Ya Mama seasoning, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything well and let it cook for another 2 minutes to combine all the flavors. - Incorporate the Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat and let the beef mixture cool for a few minutes. Once slightly cooled, stir in the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese until well combined. The heat from the beef should start to melt the cheese, binding everything together. - Prepare the Tortillas
Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Lightly warm the corn tortillas in the pan for about 30 seconds on each side. This will make them more pliable and easier to fold without cracking. - Assemble the Tacos
Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef and cheese mixture onto one half of each tortilla. Fold the tortilla over to create a taco shape and press down gently to seal the edges. - Fry the Tacos
In a large frying pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the tacos in the pan, 2-3 at a time. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy. Transfer the tacos to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. - Repeat and Serve
Continue frying the remaining tacos until they are all golden and crispy. Serve them hot, garnished with your favorite toppings!
How to Cook Tacos Dorados: A Step-by-Step Guide
For a quick reference, here's a simplified guide to cooking Tacos Dorados:
- Cook and season the ground beef.
- Add onions, jalapenos, and spices.
- Mix in shredded cheese.
- Warm tortillas to make them flexible.
- Assemble tacos by adding beef mixture to tortillas and folding them.
- Fry tacos in hot oil until golden and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels and serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Tacos Dorados:
- Overfilling the Tacos: Don’t overload the tortillas with too much filling. This will make it harder to fold and seal, and may cause the filling to spill out while frying.
- Using Cold Tortillas: Cold tortillas can crack when folded. Always warm them up first so they become pliable.
- Frying in Oil that’s Too Cool: If your oil isn’t hot enough, the tacos will absorb too much oil and become greasy instead of crispy.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many tacos at once will lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy tacos. Fry in batches for best results.
Serving and Presentation Tips
To elevate your Tacos Dorados, consider these serving and presentation tips:
- Toppings: Serve your tacos with classic Mexican toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. A drizzle of Mexican crema adds a nice creamy texture.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer side sauces like salsa verde, chipotle mayo, or a creamy avocado dip to complement the crispy tacos.
- Side Dishes: Pair the tacos with refried beans, Mexican rice, or a light salad to complete the meal.
How to Serve Tacos Dorados
Tacos Dorados are best served fresh and hot. Arrange them on a large platter with various toppings and sauces on the side, allowing your guests to customize their tacos to their liking. Make sure to serve them soon after frying, so they retain their crispiness.
Presentation Ideas for Tacos Dorados
To make your Tacos Dorados visually appealing, consider these presentation ideas:
- Arrange the tacos upright in a taco holder for a clean and organized look.
- Garnish the platter with fresh lime wedges, chopped cilantro, and colorful radish slices for added flair.
- Serve on a rustic wooden board or colorful Mexican plates to match the theme of the dish.
Tacos Dorados Recipe Tips
Here are a few extra tips to help you make the best Tacos Dorados possible:
- Prep Ahead: The beef mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. This makes assembly quicker when you’re ready to cook.
- Double the Recipe: If you're feeding a crowd, this recipe can easily be doubled. Just make sure to fry the tacos in batches so they stay crispy.
- Keep Warm in the Oven: If you need to keep the tacos warm before serving, place them in a low oven (around 200°F) on a baking sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I bake Tacos Dorados instead of frying them?
Yes! For a healthier version, you can bake the tacos. Preheat the oven to 425°F, brush the assembled tacos with oil, and bake for 12-15 minutes or until crispy.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, but the texture will be different. Flour tortillas won’t crisp up as much as corn tortillas, but they still taste great.
How do I store leftover Tacos Dorados?
Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Conclusion
Tacos Dorados with ground beef are a fun, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The crispy, golden shells paired with the rich, cheesy beef filling are a match made in taco heaven. Whether you’re new to making tacos or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, heat up the oil, and get ready to enjoy some truly delicious Tacos Dorados!
PrintTacos Dorados With Ground Beef Recipe
Tacos Dorados with ground beef is a flavorful Mexican dish featuring seasoned ground beef mixed with jalapenos, onions, and cheese, then fried in crispy corn tortillas. Perfect for taco nights or gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe delivers a satisfying crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 tacos 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 jalapeno, seeds removed, diced
- 1 white onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 12 corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced jalapeno and onion.
- Season with Slap Ya Mama, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Once the beef is browned, remove from heat and mix in the shredded cheeses.
- Heat a thin layer of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Warm the tortillas to soften, then fill each with the beef mixture.
- Fold and fry the tacos until golden and crispy, flipping once.
- Drain excess oil and serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- You can substitute cheeses or adjust spices based on preference.
- Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 380mg
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