Crispy Beef Tacos

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp red chili powder (For taco seasoning)
• 2 tbsp garlic powder (For taco seasoning)
• 1 tbsp onion powder (For taco seasoning)
• 1 tbsp smoked red paprika powder (For taco seasoning)
• 1 tsp dried oregano (For taco seasoning)
• 1 tsp black pepper powder (For taco seasoning)
• 1 tbsp ground cumin (For taco seasoning)
• 1 tbsp salt (For taco seasoning)
• 2 lb ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning (Use less or more, adjusted to taste; prepared seasoning mix)
• 1 onion (Diced, for the beef)
• salt (For the beef, to taste)
• 1 tbsp clarified butter or oil (For cooking the beef; source gives clarified butter or oil)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste (For the beef)
• 0.5 cup warm water (For the beef)
• 1 tbsp garlic (Minced, for the beef)
• 1 onion (Finely chopped, for the salsa)
• 2 tomatoes (Diced, for the salsa)
• 1 tbsp cilantro (Freshly chopped)
• 2 tbsp lime juice (For the salsa)
• salt (For the salsa, to taste)
• 1 tsp black pepper (For the salsa)
• 0.333 cup sour cream (For the taco sauce)
• 0.333 cup mayonnaise (For the taco sauce)
• 0.333 cup buttermilk or water (For the taco sauce)
• 1 lime juice (Juice of 1 lime, for the taco sauce)
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning (Use less or more, adjusted to taste)
• 1 tbsp dried parsley (For the taco sauce)
• 15 mini flour tortillas (Use 12–15 tortillas)
• oil (For lightly frying the tortillas)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (Shredded, for assembly)

Steps

1. 1

   Prepare the taco seasoning by combining the red chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked red paprika powder, dried oregano, black pepper powder, ground cumin, and salt in a bowl. Mix thoroughly to combine.

2. 2

   Heat the clarified butter or oil in a pan. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.

3. 3

   Add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until it changes color.

4. 4

   Add the minced garlic and mix to combine.

5. 5

   Season the beef with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning and add the tomato paste. Mix and sauté for 2–3 minutes.

6. 6

   Taste the beef and add additional salt if needed. Pour in the warm water and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked and the water has evaporated.

7. 7

   Make the salsa by mixing the finely chopped onion, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.

8. 8

   Make the taco sauce by combining the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk or water, lime juice, taco seasoning, and dried parsley in a bowl. Mix until creamy and smooth.

9. 9

   Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Place a mini flour tortilla in the pan.

10. 10

    Add shredded mozzarella cheese to the tortilla, then place beef on one side. Fold the tortilla over by flipping the empty half side over the filling.

11. 11

    Cook the taco until crispy and golden. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, cheese, and beef.

12. 12

    Serve the crispy tacos warm with the salsa and taco sauce.

Notes

The source does not specify an exact amount of frying oil, the precise tortilla cooking time, or a tortilla pan temperature beyond medium heat. The taco seasoning recipe makes more than the 2 tablespoons used in the beef and sauce, with extra available for adjustment.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• Mexican
• tacos
• beef
• crispy
• pan-fried
• cheese
• quick meal