If there’s one dish that instantly transforms any meal into a celebration, it’s The Best Fried Tacos. Crisp, golden shells stuffed with savory ground beef, oozing with melty cheese, and finished with a parade of fresh toppings—these tacos don’t just satisfy cravings, they create happiness. Whether it’s a weeknight rush or a fun gathering with friends, this recipe promises authentic flavor, fun hands-on assembly, and that irresistible crunch you can only get from tacos fried right in their shells.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Best Fried Tacos start with a handful of kitchen staples, but each ingredient plays a starring role. Don’t skip or swap—this combination creates magic with every bite!
- Ground Beef: Classic, savory, and rich—look for 80/20 for best taste and a little juiciness.
- Taco Seasoning: Your favorite packet brings that iconic Tex-Mex punch; homemade works, too.
- Corn Tortillas: Authentic flavor and the perfect texture to fry up crispy and hold all the fillings.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts magnificently into every nook and cranny inside the hot taco shell.
- Oil for Frying: Neutral oils like canola or vegetable are best, as they won’t overpower the taco’s flavor.
- Taco Toppings: Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, hot sauce—personalize your tacos with all your favorites.
How to Make The Best Fried Tacos
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Sauté until the meat is fully browned and crumbly, and the kitchen starts to fill with delicious aromas. This is the base of The Best Fried Tacos, so don’t rush it—let the beef get flavorful!
Step 2: Season to Perfection
Sprinkle in your taco seasoning, then add two tablespoons of water to help the spices blend. Stir well, making sure every bit of meat is coated. Once everything’s well mixed, remove the skillet from heat. The meat should be juicy but not watery—a filling worthy of its crispy shell.
Step 3: Get the Oil Hot and Ready
Pour about two inches of oil into a large deep skillet. Heat the oil over medium-high until it reaches 375 degrees. Using a thermometer isn’t just recommended, it’s essential for The Best Fried Tacos—this way your tacos crisp up quickly instead of soaking in oil.
Step 4: Prepare the Tortillas
To keep your tortillas pliable and easy to fold, stack them on a microwave-safe plate, top with a damp paper towel, and microwave for about thirty seconds. Warm tortillas are your secret weapon for avoiding breakage as you fill and fry.
Step 5: Fill and Fold
Using a dinner spoon, scoop a modest line of seasoned beef down the center of a tortilla. Fold it gently in half, then grab it with kitchen tongs to keep it closed. This step is where homemade meets hands-on fun—each taco built with care, ready for the fryer!
Step 6: Fry the Tacos
With your oil at temperature, carefully slip the filled tortilla into the hot oil, holding it closed with the tongs for about twenty seconds until it holds shape. Let go and continue adding tacos—but don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry each taco about two minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remember, they’ll crisp up even more as they cool!
Step 7: Drain and Cool
As each taco finishes, remove it from the oil and tip it over a thick wad of paper towels—this drains out excess oil and keeps things crispy, not greasy. Place the drained tacos in a paper towel-lined pie plate and keep going until your batch is complete.
Step 8: Stuff with Cheese and Serve
The final flourish for The Best Fried Tacos: while they’re still warm but cool enough to handle, gently open each shell and tuck in a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese melts perfectly inside, meeting the hot filling for utter taco bliss. Now, all that’s left is to pile on your favorite toppings!
How to Serve The Best Fried Tacos
Garnishes
A great taco deserves great toppings! For these beauties, keep it simple but fresh. Classic garnishes like shredded iceberg lettuce, juicy diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, sliced radishes, and, of course, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce make each bite pop. A spoonful of salsa or guacamole is always welcome at the party.
Side Dishes
The Best Fried Tacos pair like a dream with classic rice and beans, zesty corn salad, or even a fresh cucumber slaw. Refried beans and Mexican street corn (elote) bring creamy comfort, while a simple side of lime wedges brightens every plate. Choose sides that echo the vibrant flavors of your tacos.
Creative Ways to Present
Build a DIY taco bar for your next gathering—just fry the shells and set out all the toppings and fillings so everyone can mix and match. Or, serve mini tacos as appetizers for a party platter. Want a playful twist? Arrange the fried tacos upright in a lined baking dish for a colorful, crunchy centerpiece at your next taco night.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover fried tacos in an airtight container, lined with paper towels to absorb extra moisture, and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store toppings and garnishes separately to preserve crispiness and cut down on sogginess.
Freezing
To freeze, let your tacos cool completely, then wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. The Best Fried Tacos can be frozen for up to one month and reheated straight from the freezer for a last-minute meal or snack.
Reheating
For best results, reheat tacos in a 375-degree oven on a wire rack set over a baking sheet—this restores their beautiful crispiness. Microwave reheating is fast but will soften the shells. If you have an air fryer, use it for a few minutes to bring back that magical crunch!
FAQs
Can I use another type of meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic and delicious, ground chicken, turkey, or even shredded pork make fantastic alternatives for The Best Fried Tacos. Just season to taste and follow the same steps.
What’s the trick to keeping shells from splitting?
Warming the corn tortillas before filling and frying is essential—thirty seconds in the microwave with a damp paper towel works wonders. Try to avoid overfilling, as too much filling can split even the softest shells.
Do I need a deep fryer?
Nope! Any deep, heavy skillet or Dutch oven will do the trick. Just make sure you use enough oil to fully submerge the tacos about halfway, and use tongs for safety and control.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes, The Best Fried Tacos are naturally gluten-free if you use only corn tortillas and verify that your taco seasoning is also free of gluten-containing ingredients. Always double check packaging just to be certain.
Are these similar to Jack in the Box tacos?
They really are! For an extra touch of nostalgia, swap the shredded cheddar for a slice of American cheese, which melts up creamy and brings back that late-night drive-through flavor in every bite.
Final Thoughts
Now you know all the secrets to making The Best Fried Tacos, there’s only one thing left—gather your favorite people and start frying! With crispy shells, savory meat, and all the toppings your heart desires, you’ll discover why this recipe is an instant classic. Don’t be surprised if these tacos become the most requested meal at your table. It’s time to try The Best Fried Tacos for yourself!
Print
The Best Fried Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 tacos
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These fried tacos are a crowd-pleaser, with crispy shells filled with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and all your favorite toppings. A fun twist on traditional tacos!
Ingredients
For the seasoned ground beef:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
For assembling the tacos:
- 20 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Oil for frying
- Taco toppings as desired
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoned ground beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef, then stir in the taco seasoning and water. Set aside.
- Assemble the tacos: Heat oil, warm tortillas, fill them with meat, fold, and fry until crispy. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
- Finish the tacos: Stuff each taco with cheese, add desired toppings, and serve.
Notes
- Experiment with different fillings like chicken or carnitas.
- Check blog for extra tips on filling and frying.
- Customize toppings to your preference.
- For a Jack in the Box style taco, use American cheese slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tacos
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 203mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
