Tacos Dorados

If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting dinner that brings the whole family together, you’ll love making Tacos Dorados! These crispy, golden corn tortillas are stuffed with a savory blend of ground beef and fluffy potatoes. This recipe has been a family favorite for years because it’s quick to prepare and absolutely satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just need a cozy meal after a long day, these tacos are perfect for any occasion.

Imagine biting into that crunchy tortilla with the warm filling inside – it’s like a hug in food form! Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. You can customize your toppings and make them your own. Let’s dive into why you’ll fall head over heels for this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all levels.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these tasty tacos, making dinner time fun and enjoyable.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the filling in advance and assemble the tacos when you’re ready to eat!
• Flavorful Filling: The combination of ground beef and mashed potatoes creates a hearty and satisfying flavor that everyone will crave.
• Customizable Toppings: Dress them up with your favorite toppings like salsa, crema, and cheese to suit everyone’s taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up these delightful Tacos Dorados, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that pack in the flavor. Gather these goodies before you start cooking:

For the Filling

• 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

For Assembly

• 16 corn tortillas
• Mexican crema
• Thinly shredded lettuce
• Salsa
• Chopped cilantro
• Queso fresco or cotija cheese

Variations

This Tacos Dorados recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to personalize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand:

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add veggies: Mix in some sautéed bell peppers or spinach with the filling for an extra veggie boost.
• Spice it up: If you love spicy food, add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the meat with black beans or lentils for a hearty, plant-based version.

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 diced potatoes and boil them for about 20 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them well with a potato masher. This creamy base is what makes our filling so delicious!

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat one tablespoon of oil. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in chili powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cumin. Cook everything together until the beef is fully cooked through—about 8-10 minutes—then remove from heat.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Mix those fluffy mashed potatoes into your seasoned beef mixture until everything is well combined. Give it a taste! You might want to sprinkle in some extra salt if needed; this filling should be bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

Wrap your corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and pop them into the microwave for about 30 seconds until they’re hot and pliable. Alternatively, warm them on a skillet over medium-high heat; this will help prevent cracking when you fill them.

Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos

Working in batches of three at a time, take each tortilla and fill one half with about 2-3 tablespoons of that scrumptious potato-meat mixture. Fold over the other half of the tortilla to seal in all that goodness.

Step 6: Fry Until Crispy

In a deep skillet or sauté pan, pour enough oil so that it reaches halfway up your tacos when placed inside. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350-375°F (a little test drop of batter should sizzle). Fry each taco for about 45-60 seconds per side until golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Drain Excess Oil

Once fried to perfection, transfer each taco onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. Repeat this process until all your delightful tacos are cooked!

Step 8: Serve It Up!

Now comes the fun part! Serve your Tacos Dorados with Mexican crema drizzled on top along with shredded lettuce, fresh salsa, chopped cilantro, and crumbled queso fresco. Enjoy every crunchy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Tacos Dorados

Making tacos dorados is a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you have a few helpful tips up your sleeve!

• Choose the right potatoes: Using russet potatoes is ideal since they are starchy and mash well. This creates a creamy filling that pairs perfectly with the seasoned beef.
• Don’t skip the seasoning: Seasoning both the beef and mashed potatoes enhances the overall flavor of your tacos. A well-seasoned filling makes every bite deliciously satisfying.
• Keep tortillas warm: Warming the corn tortillas makes them more pliable and easier to fold. This prevents tearing and ensures that your tacos hold their shape during frying.
• Control the oil temperature: Maintaining the oil at 350-375°F is crucial for achieving crispy tacos without absorbing excess oil. A thermometer can help you ensure you’re in the right range.
• Double fry for extra crispiness: If you want to take it up a notch, consider frying your tacos twice! A quick second fry after they’ve cooled slightly will give you an even crunchier exterior.

How to Serve Tacos Dorados

Presenting your tacos dorados in an appealing way can elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Here are some ideas on how to serve them!

Garnishes

• Mexican crema: Drizzle or dollop some Mexican crema on top for a rich, creamy contrast to the crispy tacos.
• Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness and color that enhances the visual appeal of your dish.
• Sliced radishes: Adding thinly sliced radishes not only provides a crunchy texture but also brings a pop of color and brightness to each plate.

Side Dishes

• Refried beans: Creamy refried beans are a classic side that complements the crunchiness of tacos dorados while adding protein and fiber.
• Mexican rice: Fluffy Mexican rice flavored with tomatoes and spices makes for a hearty accompaniment that rounds out your meal beautifully.
• Grilled corn on the cob: Sweet, grilled corn brushed with lime and chili powder is a fun, vibrant side that adds some sweetness to balance out the savory flavors.
• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole made from ripe avocados offers a smooth texture and rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with each crispy bite.

With these serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress your family or guests with an authentic taco night! Enjoy every crunchy, flavorful bite of your delicious tacos dorados!

Make Ahead and Storage

Tacos dorados are not just delicious; they’re also perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time, store them properly, and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to ensure you keep your tacos fresh and tasty.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Place a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture and keep the tortillas crisp.

Freezing

• Allow the cooked tacos to cool completely before freezing.
• Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until solid.
• Transfer the frozen tacos to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
• If reheating refrigerated tacos, warm them up in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally until crispy.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making tacos dorados!

What are Tacos Dorados?

Tacos dorados are crispy fried tacos traditionally filled with various ingredients like ground beef and potatoes. They’re a beloved Mexican comfort food that’s easy to make at home!

Can I use other fillings for Tacos Dorados?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your fillings. You can use shredded chicken, beans, or even vegetables. The key is to have a filling that complements the crispy tortilla.

How can I make Tacos Dorados healthier?

To make healthier tacos dorados, consider baking instead of frying. Brush the filled tortillas lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown. You’ll still get that delicious crunch with less oil!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful tacos dorados! They’re not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying and versatile. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, these crispy treats are sure to impress. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite toppings. Happy cooking!