How to Make Crispy Ground Beef Tacos

There’s something about a crispy taco that just hits different, right? The way the shell crunches when you take a bite, the flavors of the seasoned ground beef, and all the fresh toppings coming together in perfect harmony. Today, I’m excited to share with you my secret to making the best Crispy Ground Beef Tacos right in your own kitchen. It’s a recipe that’s easy enough for a quick weeknight dinner but delicious enough to impress your family and friends. So, let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly crispy taco shells without deep frying
• Flavorful ground beef seasoned with a blend of spices
• Customizable toppings to suit everyone’s taste
• Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes
• Great for quick family dinners or meal prep

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Crispy Ground Beef Tacos. Don’t worry, most of these ingredients are probably already in your pantry!

For the taco meat:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup water

For the crispy tortillas and toppings:

• 8 corn tortillas (can use flour if preferred)
• Lettuce, finely chopped
• Cotija cheese or freshly grated Parmesan
• Shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar cheese
• Pickled Red Onions
• Pico de gallo
• Guacamole or avocado
• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Make the Taco Meat

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef for about 5 minutes, breaking up the meat into small pieces using a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Pour in the water and let simmer for 5 minutes or until thickened. Turn off the heat and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Crispy Tortillas

Add avocado oil or vegetable oil to a small skillet until it’s about 1/2 inch up the sides. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until hot (350 degrees), which will take about 5 to 7 minutes. Line a plate with paper towels and place it by the skillet. When the oil is hot, carefully place a tortilla in the hot oil and cook until it’s blistering but still soft, about 10 to 15 seconds. Using tongs, turn the tortilla over and then immediately fold it to form a taco shell. Once the tortilla is holding its shape, turn it until crisp and golden all over, 15 to 30 seconds longer. Transfer to the prepared plate and sprinkle with Cotija cheese (or Parmesan) and a little salt on the inside and outside of the taco shell. Make sure you sprinkle the cheese on when the tortillas are hot so it will stick. Continue frying the tortillas. If the oil starts to smoke, it’s too hot; turn down the temperature and wait a bit.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

Fill the tortillas with the warm taco meat and top with lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole or avocado, sour cream or your favorite taco toppings. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• For extra crispy shells, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the tortillas.
• Don’t overcook the tortillas; they should still be pliable when you fold them into shells.
• Let everyone customize their own tacos with their favorite toppings.
• Leftover taco meat can be used for easy pasta recipes or as a topping for salads like our Spicy Southwest Salad.

How to Serve

The best part about tacos is how customizable they are. Set up a taco bar with all the fixings and let everyone create their own masterpiece. Some of my favorite toppings include fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime juice. For a lighter option, try pairing it with a simple Corn Salad or our Crispy Chili Lime Garbanzo Beans Salad for a quick and refreshing side dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

The taco meat can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently before assembling the tacos. The crispy taco shells are best made fresh, but you can prepare the tortillas up to a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

There you have it, a simple and delicious recipe for Crispy Ground Beef Tacos that’s perfect for 30-minute meals and weeknight dinner ideas. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, get creative with your taco bar, and enjoy the delicious flavors of homemade tacos!

Happy cooking, and don’t forget to check out more of our quick family dinners and easy pasta recipes for more meal inspiration!