Description
Tacos dorados—crispy, golden pockets of flavor—are more than just a meal; they’re a reminder of family, tradition, and home. Filled with a savory mix of ground beef and mashed potatoes, these tacos are fried to perfection and topped with Mexican crema, shredded lettuce, and salsa. Every bite brings a satisfying crunch and a rush of delicious memories.
Ingredients
For the Tacos:
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (plus more for frying)
- ½ small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp cumin
- 16 corn tortillas
For the Toppings:
- Mexican crema
- Shredded lettuce
- Salsa
- Chopped cilantro
- Queso fresco or cotija cheese
Instructions
-
Prep the Potatoes
Boil the potatoes until tender, then mash and set aside. -
Cook the Beef
In a skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and ground beef with spices until fully cooked. Mix in the mashed potatoes. -
Assemble the Tacos
Warm the tortillas, add 2-3 tbsp of the beef and potato mixture, fold, and press gently to seal. -
Fry the Tacos
Heat oil to 350-375°F and fry tacos until golden and crispy, about 45-60 seconds per side. Drain on paper towels. -
Serve & Enjoy
Top with Mexican crema, lettuce, salsa, cilantro, and crumbled cheese.
Notes
-
Don’t Overstuff the Tacos: While it’s tempting to load the tortillas with lots of filling, overstuffing can cause them to burst open while frying. Keep the filling to 2-3 tablespoons per taco for a balanced result.
-
Use Fresh Corn Tortillas: Fresh tortillas hold up better to frying and are less likely to crack. If your tortillas are a bit stiff, warm them slightly before assembling.
-
Get the Oil Temperature Right: For crispy tacos, heat the oil to 350-375°F. If the oil is too hot, the tacos will burn quickly. If it’s too cold, they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Mexican Cuisine
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American