These fried tacos are a quick and easy fried taco recipe that is crispy, loaded with perfectly seasoned ground beef and cheese, and fried in a corn tortilla. A delicious way to enjoy tacos any day of the week.
If you love tacos, but you want something a little different, then I have just the thing for you – my fried tacos! These tacos stuff corn tortillas full of all your favorite fillings like beef, onions, jalapenos, and cheese, and then they’re fried for a nice twist on a classic favorite. I’ve been making this taco variation for several years, and I’m so excited that I finally got around to sharing it with all of you. I know that you’re going to love it. I’m sorry it took me so long!
Fried Tacos
These delicious tacos start with ground beef along with diced onions and jalapenos seasoned with Cajun seasoning, cumin, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes for a zesty, kicked-up flavor. Then I stuff it all into corn tortillas and fry them until they’re golden, crispy, and absolutely amazing. I’m telling you now, there’s nothing like frying up your own crispy corn tortilla tacos. You’ll never go back to those box taco shells again!
Why You’ll Love These Pan Fried Tacos
- They are super crunchy, seasoned perfectly, and are a family-favorite crispy taco recipe.
- They only take a few simple ingredients to make and are a budget-friendly weeknight dinner everyone will love.
- They’re like the fried tacos from Jack in the Box® but better.
- And, they are a quick and easy taco recipe packed with ground beef and cheese.
Fried Tacos Ingredients
You’ll only need a few simple ingredients to make these tasty tacos. Everything you need is either in your kitchen or one quick trip to the store away!
- Lean ground beef
- Jalapeno
- White onion, diced
- Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Cumin
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Colby jack cheese
- Corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil, for frying
How to Make Fried Tacos
This is a super easy recipe that comes together quickly. Even the frying is quick and easy!
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Cook the ground beef, onions, and jalapeno in a large frying pan over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender. Then, add Slap Ya Mama seasoning, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine, drain, and set aside.
Step 2: Fry the Tacos
Wipe the pan clean and heat oil over medium-high heat. Then, fry one side of a tortilla, flip it over, and add cheese, the meat, and more cheese to one side of the tortilla. Fold it in half and fry until golden and crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil and repeat until all tacos are finished. Enjoy with your favorite toppings.
Tips and Variations
- Cook your ground beef until no longer pink and no further. Overcooked ground beef is rubbery and flavorless.
- Don’t overcrowd your pan when frying the tacos. You want the oil to stay nice and hot.
- You can use ground turkey or chicken or even chorizo for these tacos.
- For a mild version omit the jalapenos.
- If you prefer a more traditional taco flavor, omit the seasonings and simmer the ground beef, onions, and jalapenos in water and taco seasoning.
What to Serve with Fried Tacos
These delicious tacos are perfect with all of your favorite taco toppings like:
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Taco sauce
- Salsa
- Picante sauce
- Pico de Gallo
- Guacamole
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use corn, vegetable, peanut, soybean, safflower, or sunflower oil to fry tortillas. All of these have a neutral flavor and high smoke point.
Oil should be between 350 to 365 degrees for optimal frying. This temperature delivers crispy tortillas that aren’t too oily.
To keep your tacos from getting soggy, fry one side lightly before flipping them and filling them. This light frying creates a physical barrier against the moisture of the taco ingredients in the tortillas.
Fried tacos are very freezer-friendly and will last for up to 6 months in the freezer.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Fried Tacos
Refrigerate fried tacos for up to 4 days in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then foil, then freeze them for up to 6 months in a heavy-duty freezer bag.
To reheat the tacos, wrap them in foil and bake them for 10 minutes at 350 degrees.
Try This Crispy Fried Taco Recipe Today
This fried taco recipe is as easy as it is delicious, and it’s so much tastier than using those corn tortillas from the boxes at the grocery store. In just a few minutes, you’ll have delicious tacos that everyone will love. With that combination of flavor and ease, you need these tacos in your life. Give this recipe a try and get ready to fall in love.
More Delicious Taco Recipes You’ll Enjoy
These Southwest Chicken Tacos are a delicious and easy taco recipe made with tender, juicy chicken and bold and zesty seasonings. This taco recipe is a perfect weeknight meal and can easily be customized to your liking.
Fried Ground Beef Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 jalapeno, seeds removed, diced
- 1 white onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 12 corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a large frying pan, add ground beef, onions and jalapeno and cook until meat is no longer pink and onions and peppers are tender then add Slap Ya Mama, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and drain any excess grease.
- In the same pan, wipe clean, and heat oil over medium high heat.
- Using tongs, place one corn tortilla at a time into the hot oil, flip over and carefully add cheese, meat mixture and more cheese to one side of the tortilla.
- Fold in half and fry until crispy and golden.
- Remove from the pan and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
- Place tacos on a serving platter and serve with your favorite toppings.
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