Description
Crispy, golden, and filled with savory goodness, these Tacos Dorados are the perfect blend of comfort food and Mexican tradition. Stuffed with a flavorful mix of seasoned ground beef and creamy mashed potatoes, then fried to perfection, they’re topped with fresh lettuce, tangy crema, salsa, and crumbled cheese. Whether for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this easy-to-make recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
- For the Filling:
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch chunks
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (plus more for frying)
- ½ small onion, chopped (white or yellow)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more as needed)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
For the Tacos:
- 16 corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Toothpicks (to secure tacos)
For the Toppings:
- Mexican crema
- Thinly shredded lettuce
- Salsa (your favorite kind)
- Chopped cilantro
- Queso fresco or cotija cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add the diced potatoes and boil for about 20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them until smooth and set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Stir in the chili powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cumin. Mix well and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Combine the Filling:
- Remove the skillet from heat and mix the mashed potatoes with the ground beef. Stir until fully combined.
- Taste the filling and adjust seasoning with more salt, if needed.
Warm the Tortillas:
- Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and heat them in the microwave for 30 seconds, or until pliable.
- Alternatively, heat them on a skillet or comal for a few seconds on each side.
Assemble the Tacos:
- Place 2-3 tablespoons of the beef and potato filling on one side of each tortilla.
- Fold the tortilla in half, creating a half-moon shape.
- Secure the taco with a toothpick to prevent it from opening during frying.
Fry the Tacos:
- Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep skillet to reach halfway up the tacos. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place 3-4 tacos in the hot oil, frying for 45-60 seconds per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the tacos with tongs and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Repeat until all tacos are fried.
Add the Toppings:
- Serve the tacos warm and top them with Mexican crema, shredded lettuce, salsa, chopped cilantro, and crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese.
Notes
- Healthier Option: If you want to skip frying, you can brush the assembled tacos with oil and bake them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Customizable Filling: Feel free to replace the ground beef with shredded chicken, pork, or even beans for a vegetarian version.
- Freezing Tip: Assemble the tacos and freeze them uncooked. When ready to eat, fry them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the frying time.
- Reheating: Reheat leftover tacos in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain their crispiness.
- Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Try pickled onions, avocado slices, or a drizzle of hot sauce for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican