Fried Beef Tacos

Fried beef tacos combine tender steak, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheese, all wrapped in a crispy golden corn tortilla. They deliver the bold, savory flavors of classic Mexican street food right from your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect combination of juicy steak and seasoned ground beef

• Crisp, golden-fried corn tortillas make each bite irresistible

• Quick enough for weeknight dinners — ready in under 45 minutes

• Melty Colby Jack cheese adds creamy richness

• Easy to pair with all your favorite sides and salsas

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound New York Strip steak, cut into small bite-size pieces

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic salt

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 10-ounce can red enchilada sauce

• 2 cups Colby jack cheese (or your preferred shredded cheese)

• 14 corn tortillas (you may need more)

• 1 cup vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

1. Cook the Meat
   In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the diced steak, ground beef, and onions until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat and return to the pan.

2. Season the Filling
   Stir in all seasonings: chili powder, garlic salt, paprika, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, black pepper, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 3 more minutes. Add the enchilada sauce and simmer until heated through.

3. Prepare the Tortillas
   Heat each tortilla in a skillet to make them flexible. This prevents cracking when folding.

4. Assemble the Tacos
   Place a layer of shredded cheese in the center of each warm tortilla. Add a generous spoonful of the meat mixture. Fold the tortilla over to enclose the filling.

5. Fry the Tacos
   Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place the tacos in hot oil and cook until both sides are crispy and golden brown. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat until all tacos are fried.

6. Serve
   Serve hot with your favorite toppings or dipping sauces like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 14 tacos

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Use flour tortillas instead of corn

• Substitute chorizo, ground turkey, or shredded chicken

• Add chopped jalapeños or green chiles for extra heat

• Mix in Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella cheese

• Add fresh cilantro or lime juice before serving

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freeze: Wrap individually in plastic, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

• Reheat: For best results, reheat in an air fryer at 300°F for 5 minutes or until warmed through and crispy.

FAQs

What’s the best cut of steak for these tacos?

New York Strip is ideal, but sirloin or ribeye also work well for tender, flavorful results.

Can I use just ground beef?

Yes, you can skip the steak and double the ground beef for a simpler version.

What kind of cheese works best?

Colby Jack is recommended, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack all melt beautifully.

How do I keep tortillas from tearing?

Always heat tortillas before filling — this makes them more pliable and easier to fold.

Can I bake these tacos instead of frying?

Yes, place filled tacos on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes until crispy.

Are these tacos spicy?

They have a mild kick from red pepper flakes and seasoning. Adjust spice level by omitting or increasing the red pepper flakes.

What oil is best for frying?

Vegetable oil is ideal for its neutral flavor and high smoke point.

Can I prepare the meat filling ahead of time?

Yes, make the filling up to 2 days in advance. Store in the refrigerator and reheat before assembling.

Do I need a deep fryer?

No. A large skillet or frying pan with about ½ inch of oil is perfect.

What toppings go well with these tacos?

Try sour cream, guacamole, shredded lettuce, chopped onions, salsa, or fresh cilantro.

Conclusion

These fried beef tacos bring bold Mexican flavors and crave-worthy texture to your table with minimal effort. Whether for Taco Tuesday or your next gathering, they’re sure to be a hit. Give them a try and get ready for a recipe the whole family will request again and again.

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