Tacos Dorados With Ground Beef Recipe

If you're craving something crispy, savory, and full of flavor, look no further than Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef. This popular Mexican dish, also known as taquitos or flautas, is perfect for any meal and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of golden, crunchy tortillas and a deliciously seasoned ground beef filling creates an irresistible experience. If you're ready to elevate your taco game and make your kitchen smell incredible, read on for everything you need to know to make Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef. Let’s dive into the details to ensure your tacos turn out perfect every time.

What Are Tacos Dorados?

Tacos Dorados, which translates to "golden tacos," are a crispy taco variation where tortillas are filled, rolled, and then fried until golden brown. Unlike soft tacos, Tacos Dorados have a satisfying crunch. They are typically stuffed with savory fillings such as shredded chicken, potatoes, or in this case, seasoned ground beef. Often served with fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, crema, salsa, and cheese, they make for a hearty, flavorful dish that's easy to customize to your liking.

Ingredients List for Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef

To make these delicious tacos, you'll need the following ingredients. Make sure you have everything on hand before getting started.

For the Filling:

• 1 pound (450g) of ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is ideal)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for extra smokiness)
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ cup tomato sauce or salsa (adds moisture and flavor)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for sautéing the onion and beef)
• Optional: A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for added heat

For the Tacos:

• 12 small corn tortillas (6-inch size is perfect)
• Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or corn oil are good options)
• Toothpicks (to secure the tortillas while frying)

For Toppings:

• Shredded lettuce or cabbage
• Crumbled queso fresco or grated cheddar cheese
• Mexican crema or sour cream
• Salsa (any type you prefer: red, green, or pico de gallo)
• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

While the traditional Tacos Dorados recipe uses ground beef, there are many ways to adapt this dish to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

• Meat Alternatives: Try using shredded chicken, pork, or turkey instead of ground beef. You can also opt for plant-based meat substitutes like seasoned crumbled tofu or lentils for a vegetarian option.
• Tortillas: Corn tortillas are the classic choice for Tacos Dorados, but you can use small flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture. Just be aware that flour tortillas won’t get as crispy.
• Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste. Add chipotle powder for a smoky kick, or swap the cumin and chili powder for taco seasoning if you're in a pinch.
• Toppings: Mix and match your toppings. Swap crema for Greek yogurt, or add a squeeze of lime juice and hot sauce for extra flavor. You can also experiment with pickled onions, jalapeños, or shredded radishes for added texture and brightness.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to get cooking. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef.

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef Filling

1. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
5. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
6. Once the beef is cooked, stir in the tomato sauce or salsa to add moisture and flavor. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove the pan from heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas

1. While the beef mixture cools slightly, heat the tortillas. This will make them more pliable for rolling. You can do this by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 20-30 seconds on each side, or microwave them for 30 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel.
2. Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef filling onto the lower third of each tortilla, then roll them tightly into a cylinder shape.
3. Use toothpicks to secure the rolled tacos, so they don’t unravel while frying.

Step 3: Fry the Tacos Dorados

1. Heat about ½ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is ready, dip the edge of a tortilla in the oil; if it sizzles, it's ready.
2. Fry the rolled tacos in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each taco for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy.
3. Use tongs to carefully remove the tacos from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Repeat with the remaining tacos.

How to Cook Tacos Dorados: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cook the filling: Start by preparing your filling in a skillet. Ground beef is cooked with seasonings like cumin, chili powder, and garlic until it’s flavorful and tender.
2. Heat tortillas: Warming the tortillas is key to making them pliable. Without this step, the tortillas could crack while rolling.
3. Roll the tacos: Place a small amount of filling onto each tortilla and roll them tightly. Secure them with toothpicks to maintain the shape during frying.
4. Fry the tacos: Frying adds that perfect crunch. Be sure to fry the tacos in hot oil until they achieve a golden-brown color on all sides.
5. Drain and serve: Once the tacos are crispy, drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving with your favorite toppings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling the tortillas: Too much filling can make it difficult to roll the tacos tightly, which may cause them to open up while frying.
• Skipping the tortilla warming step: Cold tortillas are more likely to crack, which can ruin the shape and texture of the tacos.
• Crowding the frying pan: Frying too many tacos at once can lower the oil temperature, making the tacos soggy rather than crispy.
• Not draining excess oil: After frying, always let the tacos rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil. This ensures they remain crispy and not greasy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

To make your Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef look as good as they taste, here are a few serving and presentation tips.

1. Serve immediately: Tacos Dorados are best when eaten right after frying, so the shells stay crunchy.
2. Add vibrant toppings: Toppings like shredded lettuce, crema, and salsa add color and texture, making the dish visually appealing.
3. Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a slice of lime on the side adds a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Tacos Dorados

Tacos Dorados can be served as a main dish or as part of a larger Mexican-inspired meal. They pair beautifully with sides like:

• Mexican rice
• Refried beans or black beans
• Corn on the cob or esquites (Mexican street corn)
• A fresh salad with avocado and lime dressing

Presentation Ideas for Tacos Dorados

• Platter style: Serve the tacos on a large platter with all the toppings in separate bowls, allowing guests to customize their tacos.
• Layered presentation: Stack a few tacos on a plate and garnish with drizzles of crema, a scattering of cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
• Street food vibe: Serve the tacos in individual baskets with a side of dipping sauces like salsa verde and guacamole for a fun, casual presentation.

Tacos Dorados Recipe Tips

• Prep in advance: You can cook the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to assemble and fry the tacos.
• Fry in batches: Don't rush the frying process. Fry a few tacos at a time to ensure even cooking.
• Make them healthier: For a lighter version, you can bake the tacos in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Tacos Dorados ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it. However, it’s best to fry the tacos just before serving so they stay crispy.

Q: Can I bake the tacos instead of frying them?
A: Absolutely! For a healthier option, brush the rolled tacos with a bit of oil and bake them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping once.

Q: What type of tortillas should I use?
A: Corn tortillas are the traditional choice and get the crispiest when fried. Flour tortillas can also be used but will result in a softer texture.

Q: What can I use as a filling substitute?
A: You can swap the ground beef with shredded chicken, pork, or a vegetarian option like black beans or sautéed mushrooms.

Conclusion

Tacos Dorados with Ground Beef are the perfect way to enjoy crispy, flavorful tacos that are both fun to make and delicious to eat. With this step-by-step guide, you can easily recreate this Mexican classic at home, customize it with your favorite fillings and toppings, and impress your family or guests with an authentic and satisfying dish. Whether you're making them for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Tacos Dorados are sure to be a hit. Happy cooking!

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