Introduction
Tacos are a delicious and versatile meal option that can be enjoyed any time of the day. With a combination of lean ground beef, flavorful spices, and crispy tortillas, these tacos are sure to please everyone at the table. This recipe takes you step-by-step through creating mouth-watering tacos that are perfect for family dinners, weeknight meals, or even gatherings with friends.
Detailed Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
1 packet taco seasoning
1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
12 small corn or flour tortillas
Vegetable oil, for frying
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
12 tacos
Directions
1. **Prepare the Filling:**
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning, diced green chiles, and black beans. Mix well to combine. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. **Assemble the Tacos:**
Place a small amount of shredded cheddar cheese on one half of each tortilla. Spoon the beef mixture over the cheese. Fold the tortillas in half to enclose the filling.
3. **Fry the Tacos:**
In a clean skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the assembled tacos into the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each taco for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to remove the tacos from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. **Serve:**
Allow the tacos to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, serve with your favorite toppings such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning, diced green chiles, and black beans. Mix well to combine. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Tacos
Place a small amount of shredded cheddar cheese on one half of each tortilla. Spoon the beef mixture over the cheese. Fold the tortillas in half to enclose the filling.
Fry the Tacos
In a clean skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the assembled tacos into the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each taco for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to remove the tacos from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve
Allow the tacos to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, serve with your favorite toppings such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Notes
Ingredient Variations
Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Tortilla Options
Use either corn or flour tortillas based on your preference; both will yield delicious results.
Serving Suggestions
Consider adding fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or shredded lettuce for added flavor and texture.
Storage Instructions
Leftover tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet to maintain crispiness.
Cook techniques
Cooking Ground Beef
In a skillet, use medium heat to brown the ground beef while cooking with diced onions until translucent. Be sure to drain excess fat for a leaner filling.
Mixing Seasonings
After the beef and onions are cooked, add taco seasoning, diced green chiles, and black beans. Stir well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Assembling Tacos
Lay out tortillas and place shredded cheddar cheese on one half. Spoon the beef mixture over the cheese, and fold the tortillas in half to create a pocket for the filling.
Frying Tacos
In another skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the tacos in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
Draining Excess Oil
Once the tacos are fried, use tongs to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil, keeping them crispy.
FAQ
Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives if you prefer.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
You can test the oil temperature by carefully placing a small piece of tortilla in the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready for frying.
Can I bake these tacos instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the tacos by placing them on a baking sheet and cooking them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.
What toppings can I use for these tacos?
Common toppings include salsa, sour cream, guacamole, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños, but feel free to customize based on your preferences!
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The beef mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat before assembling the tacos.
Conclusion
These delicious and crispy beef tacos are a fantastic way to bring a taste of Mexico to your dinner table. The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and crispy tortillas makes for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone. Serve them with your favorite toppings for a fun and interactive dining experience!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Black Bean Tacos
Instead of using ground beef, substitute with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers mixed with black beans and topped with avocado slices and fresh cilantro.
Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Use shrimp seasoned with chili powder and cumin, sautéed until cooked, and serve in tortillas with a cabbage slaw and a drizzle of spicy mayo.
Chicken Enchiladas
Shred cooked chicken and mix with black beans and green chiles, roll in tortillas, top with cheese and enchilada sauce, and bake until bubbly.
Breakfast Tacos
Scramble eggs with diced onions and bell peppers, and serve in tortillas with salsa and avocado for a hearty breakfast option.
Beef Quesadillas
Use the same beef filling, add extra cheese, and cook between two tortillas on a griddle until crispy, then cut into wedges and serve with sour cream.
