Description
Craving something crispy, savory, and bursting with bold Mexican flavor? These Tacos Dorados are the answer. Perfect for a quick dinner, fun party bites, or weekend family meals, they’re golden-fried corn tortillas stuffed with seasoned beef or chicken and topped with fresh garnishes. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner recipes, Mexican food ideas, or crispy taco night inspiration, this dish delivers every time. Ideal for anyone wanting a simple, crowd-pleasing, and authentic meal, it’s a must-try in your rotation of quick comfort foods.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (optional)
12 corn tortillas
Vegetable oil, for frying
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/3 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
1/3 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
1/3 cup salsa or hot sauce
1/2 avocado, sliced or mashed into guacamole
1 tbsp chopped cilantro
Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 7–8 minutes. Stir in garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheese if using.
2. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp towel for 30 seconds to make them flexible.
3. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of filling onto one half of each tortilla, then fold over. Press to seal or use a toothpick if needed.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot (around 350°F / 175°C), fry the tacos in batches, 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
5. Serve immediately topped with lettuce, cheese, crema, salsa, avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Notes
Warm tortillas before filling to avoid cracks and make folding easier.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying—cook in batches for best results.
Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness—avoid the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Dish
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: crispy tacos, tacos dorados, easy dinner, Mexican food, fried tacos, party food