Crispy Tacos

Name: Crispy Tacos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef (80/20); 8 corn tortillas (6-inch); 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying); 1/2 white onion, finely diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup water; 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce; 1 cup fresh tomatoes, diced; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream

Golden-fried hard-shell tacos filled with seasoned ground beef and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream. An iconic Tex-Mex staple that's irresistibly crunchy.

35 minEasyServes 4420 cal/serving

Tex-MexDinnerStovetopStandard

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
8 corn tortillas (6-inch)
2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
1/2 white onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup water
2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
1 cup fresh tomatoes, diced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions

1

Brown 2 lbs ground beef (80/20) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 finely diced white onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes.
2

Stir in 1 tbsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add 1/4 cup water and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
3

Heat 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying) in a separate skillet to 350°F. Gently fry each 8 corn tortillas (6-inch) for 10-15 seconds per side until it just begins to turn golden, then quickly fold it in half using tongs. Fry for another 10-15 seconds until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
4

Fill each crispy corn tortillas (6-inch) with seasoned ground beef (80/20). Top with 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce, 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of 1/2 cup sour cream.
5

Serve immediately while corn tortillas (6-inch) are still warm and crispy.

Questions

Can I make Crispy Tacos dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream. Swap the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor); the sour cream for thick coconut yogurt with a squeeze of lemon. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

How long does Crispy Tacos keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Crispy Tacos?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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