Ingredients
Ground Beef Taco Meat
- 1 lb ground beef (70-80% lean)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp dried Mexican oregano
- ¼ tsp granulated garlic
- ¼ tsp granulated onion
- ½ cup tomato sauce
Tortillas and Frying
- 8 white corn tortillas
- ½ cup oil (avocado or vegetable oil)
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Sauté until fully browned and no longer pink throughout.
- Drain Excess Grease: Carefully drain excess grease from the skillet. Return the skillet to the stove and lower the heat to low.
- Season the Meat: Add the tomato sauce and all the taco seasoning (chili powder, salt, cumin, Mexican oregano, granulated garlic, and onion) to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat the beef evenly with the sauce and spices.
- Simmer: Let the seasoned beef mixture simmer over low heat for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Heat Oil for Tortillas: In a separate medium skillet, pour in the oil and heat over medium-high until shimmering. Test heat by dipping a tortilla briefly—if it bubbles, the oil is ready.
- Fry Tortillas: Carefully lay each tortilla into the hot oil. Fry each side for about 30 seconds, just until it develops some color and crispness without becoming too hard.
- Shape Tortillas: Remove the fried tortilla and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, gently fold the tortilla in half using tongs or two forks to create a taco shell shape.
- Assemble Tacos: Fill each crispy tortilla with the prepared ground beef mixture. Add any desired toppings such as cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, or salsa to complete your tacos.
Notes
- Use 70-80% lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and fat.
- Adjust chili powder and seasonings to taste if you prefer more or less spice.
- Frying tortillas briefly adds a wonderful crispness without making them too crunchy.
- Drain excess grease well to keep tacos from becoming too oily.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
