Tacos Dorados

If you’re looking for a dish that brings comfort and joy to the dinner table, Tacos Dorados are just what you need! These crispy, golden corn tortillas stuffed with a savory ground beef and potato mixture are not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. This recipe has been passed down through my family, and every time I make it, I’m reminded of cherished gatherings and laughter shared over a hearty meal.

Perfect for busy weeknights or festive family gatherings, Tacos Dorados can easily become a favorite in your home too. Plus, they’re versatile enough to customize according to your taste!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 60 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up these delightful tacos even on the busiest days.
• Family-friendly: Kids love the fun of filling and folding their own tacos, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the tacos just before frying for a stress-free dinner.
• Endless toppings: Dress them up with your favorite toppings like Mexican crema, salsa, or fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Tacos Dorados feature simple, wholesome ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. They come together beautifully to create a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy!

• 2 large russet potatoes, (peeled and diced into 1-inch chunks)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, (plus more for frying)
• ½ small onion, (chopped (white or yellow))
• 2 cloves garlic, (minced)
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, (plus more salt as needed)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• 16 corn tortillas
• Mexican crema
• Thinly shredded lettuce
• Salsa
• Chopped cilantro
• Crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these tasty variations:

• Swap the protein: Use shredded chicken or ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add some heat: Mix in chopped jalapeños or hot sauce into the filling if you like a bit of spice.
• Go vegetarian: Replace the meat with sautéed veggies like zucchini and bell peppers for a delicious meatless version.
• Experiment with cheeses: Try different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for varied flavors.

How to Make Tacos Dorados

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Fill a large pot or Dutch oven with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add the potatoes and boil for about 20 minutes, until fork-tender. This step is key; soft potatoes make mashing easy and enhance the texture of our filling. Once done, drain them well, return them to the pot, and mash them until smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Heat one tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking them for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Now it’s time to add the ground beef! Break it up with a spoon as it cooks; this ensures even browning and helps develop flavor. Stir in chili powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cumin. Cook everything together until fully cooked through—about 8-10 minutes—and then remove from heat.

Step 3: Combine Filling

Mix the mashed potatoes with the cooked beef mixture until fully combined. Give it a taste! Adjust seasoning if needed; this is where you can really personalize your filling.

Step 4: Warm Tortillas

Wrap corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and warm them in the microwave for about 30 seconds until hot and pliable. Alternatively, warm them on a skillet over medium-high heat. Warming is crucial—this prevents tearing when we fill them!

Step 5: Assemble Tacos

In batches of three, fill one-half of each tortilla with about 2-3 tablespoons of your tasty potato-meat mixture. Fold over the other half to form a taco shape. Repeat until all are ready!

Step 6: Frying Time!

Pour enough oil into a deep skillet so that it reaches halfway up your assembled tacos. Heat this over medium-high heat until it reaches between 350°F -375°F—perfect frying temperature! Fry each taco for about 45-60 seconds per side until they turn golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer tacos to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil—this keeps them crispy without being greasy!

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve your Tacos Dorados hot with sides of Mexican crema, shredded lettuce, salsa, chopped cilantro, and crumbled cheese on top. Gather around the table and enjoy every crunchy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Tacos Dorados

Making tacos dorados at home is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can elevate your taco game!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh potatoes and quality ground beef will enhance the flavor and texture of your tacos, making them more delicious and satisfying.
• Adjust the spice level: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the filling. This allows you to customize the spice level to suit your taste.
• Don’t rush the frying: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the tacos. This helps achieve that perfect crispy texture while preventing excess oil absorption.
• Keep tortillas warm: Keeping your tortillas warm while assembling the tacos will prevent them from cracking. Use a clean kitchen towel or an insulated container to maintain their warmth.
• Experiment with fillings: Feel free to mix things up! You can try substituting ground beef with shredded chicken or even beans for a vegetarian option. The possibilities are endless!

How to Serve Tacos Dorados

Serving tacos dorados is just as fun as making them! With vibrant colors and flavors, these tacos can be presented beautifully for any occasion.

Garnishes

• Chopped avocado: Creamy avocado adds richness and pairs wonderfully with the crispy texture of the tacos.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt brings a cool contrast to the spicy filling, enhancing every bite.
• Radish slices: Thinly sliced radishes offer a crunchy texture and a hint of peppery flavor that brightens up the dish.

Side Dishes

• Mexican rice: Fluffy Mexican rice seasoned with tomato and spices complements the flavors of your tacos perfectly.
• Refried beans: Creamy refried beans are a classic side that provides additional protein and makes for a satisfying meal.
• Corn salad: A refreshing corn salad with lime dressing adds a sweet crunch that balances out the richness of the tacos.
• Pico de gallo: Fresh pico de gallo made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice gives your plate a zesty kick that enhances each bite of taco dorados.

Now that you have everything you need to make and serve tacos dorados, it’s time to gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and enjoy this delightful Mexican dish together! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Tacos Dorados are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and store them for busy weeknights, ensuring you always have a delicious dinner ready to go.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Enjoy them within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• Allow the tacos to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper, for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
• For refrigerated tacos, simply heat them in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side until warm.

FAQs

If you’re wondering more about Tacos Dorados, you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions:

Can I use different fillings for Tacos Dorados?

Absolutely! While this recipe features ground beef and potatoes, feel free to mix it up with other ingredients like chicken, beans, or cheese.

How do I make Tacos Dorados crispy?

The key to crispy Tacos Dorados is frying them at the right temperature. Ensure your oil is heated to 350-375°F before adding the tacos, and don’t overcrowd the pan.

Can I make Tacos Dorados ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Tacos Dorados in advance. Just follow the storing and reheating instructions provided above for optimal results.

What toppings go well with Tacos Dorados?

Mexican crema, shredded lettuce, salsa, chopped cilantro, and queso fresco are all delightful options that complement Tacos Dorados beautifully!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delicious Tacos Dorados! They’re not just a meal; they’re an experience filled with flavors that bring warmth to your table. Whether you’re preparing them for family dinners or meal prepping for your week ahead, they’re sure to become a favorite. Enjoy every crispy bite and don’t hesitate to share your creations! Happy cooking!