As the weather starts to get cold, we all want a winter and heartwarming meal like these deep-fried tacos. These tacos are crispy and indulgent dinners for those who like comfort food. These tacos are perfect for dinner, lunch, weeknight meals, or just as a great dish to prepare when your friends are over. The golden shells are deep-fried in hot oil and super crispy, so everyone can enjoy them. The filling is like we all love seasoned beef, beans and cheese. What can be better than this? Yum!
The frying process gives them a crispy and golden exterior, while the filling and sauce combine to create a decadent combination of flavors. These tacos are perfect for your upcoming parties, casual get-togethers, or family dinners and gatherings. We highly recommend to try this recipe because in our personal opinion it’s a must try. They are a fun and delicious way to share food with everyone you love. My aunt Katy, always asked my mom for the recipe.
What I love most about this recipe is the versatility. You can adjust the fillings to your own preferences. Instead of ground beef you can add shredded cooked chikcen or use leftover turkey. If this dish will not bring your loved ones at the table then I really don’t know what will. My mom always gathered our family with this dish, and everyone enjoyed it.
Why I love this recipe
I love this recipe for its crunchy texture and the endless possibilities for filling and toppings, making every taco unique and delicious.
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Variations of the recipe
You can fill them with ground beef, chicken, or fish, or opt for a vegetarian option with black beans and cheese. You can also spice things up with jalapeños or your favorite salsa.
Serving suggestions
Serve with fresh guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for dipping. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions adds a fresh touch.
Storage & Freezing
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. While the shells may lose some crispiness, you can reheat them in the oven to restore their crunch. For freezing, place uncooked tacos in a single layer, wrap them tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months; cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the frying time.
Deep Fried Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or shredded chicken, pork, or beans for filling
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, salsa
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
Heat the Tortillas:
- Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds until pliable. This prevents them from cracking when folded.
Assemble the Tacos:
- Place 2–3 tablespoons of the meat mixture onto one side of each tortilla. Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top.Fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently to keep it closed.
Heat the Oil:
- In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 1–2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the Tacos:
- Using tongs, carefully place the folded tacos into the hot oil, seam side down. Fry 2–3 tacos at a time to avoid overcrowding.Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve the tacos hot with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.
