Why Make This Recipe
Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are a family favorite for a reason. They are delicious, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s taco night at home, a party with friends, or even a quick dinner, these tacos are sure to please everyone. The crunch of the tortillas combined with the flavorful ground beef and melted cheese makes every bite satisfying. Plus, you can customize your toppings to fit your tastes!
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!How to Make Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 pound 90/10 ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth, as needed
- Salt to taste, as needed
- 8 (6 inch) taco-size flour tortillas
- 2 to 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Avocado or vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Heat about 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the chopped onions and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are softened.
Next, add in the ground beef. Use a large spoon to break it up and cook until most of the beef is browned, about 4-5 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste and then the taco seasoning. If the mixture seems dry, add in the water or beef broth. Continue to cook until the beef is fully cooked and most of the liquid has evaporated, around 3-4 minutes. Taste the filling and add salt if needed. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
On a clean surface, lay down a tortilla. On the top half, add about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of mozzarella cheese. Spoon some beef filling over the cheese and add more cheese on top.
Fold the bottom half of the tortilla over the filling and press down gently to seal it. Transfer the assembled taco to a large baking sheet and repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling, making a total of 8 tacos.
Heat around 3-4 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. In batches, pan fry the tacos for about 1 minute on each side, or until they are golden brown. Move them to a wire cooling rack over a baking sheet. If needed, add more oil between batches for crispiness.
Garnish the tacos with fresh cilantro if you like and serve them hot with your favorite sauce. Enjoy!
How to Serve Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
Serve your Crispy Ground Beef Tacos hot right from the skillet. You can offer a variety of toppings like salsa, sour cream, shredded lettuce, or diced tomatoes on the side so everyone can customize their tacos. A squeeze of lime juice over the top can also add a nice zest!
How to Store Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
If you have leftovers, store the tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best eaten within 2-3 days. If you want to reheat them, place them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they are warm and crispy again.
Tips to Make Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
- Use lean ground beef so the filling is not too greasy.
- Make sure to let the beef filling cool slightly before assembling the tacos to prevent the tortillas from getting soggy.
- If you want extra crunch, try using corn tortillas instead of flour.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning based on how flavorful you like your beef.
Variation
You can add black beans or corn to the beef filling for extra flavor and texture. Additionally, try using different cheeses, like cheddar or pepper jack, for a twist on the classic taste.
FAQs
1. Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just assemble and fry the tacos when you’re ready to serve.
2. What can I substitute for beef in this recipe?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option.
3. Are these tacos healthy?
While they can be a bit indulgent due to frying, using lean meat and lots of fresh toppings can make them a healthier choice compared to store-bought versions.

Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos
- Diet: None
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make crispy tacos filled with flavorful ground beef and topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound 90/10 ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth, as needed
- Salt, to taste
- 8 (6 inch) taco-size flour tortillas
- 2 to 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Avocado or vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat about 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the chopped onions and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are softened.
- Add in the ground beef. Use a large spoon to break it up and cook until most of the beef is browned, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and then the taco seasoning. If the mixture seems dry, add in the water or beef broth. Continue to cook until the beef is fully cooked and most of the liquid has evaporated, around 3-4 minutes. Taste the filling and add salt if needed. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Lay down a tortilla. On the top half, add about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of mozzarella cheese. Spoon some beef filling over the cheese and add more cheese on top.
- Fold the bottom half of the tortilla over the filling and press down gently to seal it. Transfer the assembled taco to a large baking sheet and repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling, making a total of 8 tacos.
- Heat around 3-4 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. In batches, pan fry the tacos for about 1 minute on each side, or until they are golden brown. Move them to a wire cooling rack over a baking sheet. If needed, add more oil between batches for crispiness.
- Garnish the tacos with fresh cilantro if you like and serve them hot with your favorite sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
Use lean ground beef to prevent greasy filling and let the beef cool slightly before assembling to avoid soggy tortillas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
