Name: Tacos Dorados with Potato and Ground Beef Filling Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 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 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, for serving; Thinly shredded lettuce, for serving; Salsa, for serving; Chopped cilantro, for garnish; Queso fresco or cotija cheese, for garnish

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If you have a craving for something crispy, comforting, and downright delicious, you are going to adore this Tacos Dorados with Potato and Ground Beef Filling Recipe. These golden, crunchy tacos bring together fluffy mashed potatoes and flavorful ground beef wrapped in warm corn tortillas and fried to perfection. Every bite delivers a satisfying contrast of textures and a beautiful blend of Mexican-inspired spices that make this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or a festive gathering, these tacos will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large black frying pan filled with cooked ground meat mixed with small pieces of soft, translucent cooked onions. The meat is brown with a crumbly texture, and the onions are light yellow with a glossy surface. The pan is on a white marbled surface, showing some steam rising gently. The image is taken from above, focusing on the even spread of meat and onions inside the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Tacos Dorados with Potato and Ground Beef Filling Recipe relies on simple, straightforward ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable meal. Each one plays a critical role, whether it’s building layers of flavor, adding heartiness, or providing that perfect crispy exterior.

Russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes mash up beautifully, giving the filling its creamy texture.
Vegetable oil: Essential for frying the tacos to that irresistible golden crisp.
Onion: Adds a savory sweetness that enhances the beef.
Garlic: Brings a warm, aromatic depth to the filling.
Lean ground beef: The protein star, providing a rich, savory base.
Chili powder: Offers a gentle heat and smoky undertone.
Kosher salt: Brings all the flavors to life with the right seasoning.
Garlic powder and onion powder: Boost the savory qualities without overpowering.
Black pepper: Adds a mild kick and brightness.
Ground cumin: Contributes a warm, earthy spice typical of Mexican cuisine.
Corn tortillas: The golden shell that holds everything together and crisps up beautifully.
Mexican crema: Creamy and tangy for drizzling on top.
Shredded lettuce: Adds a fresh crunch that balances the richness.
Salsa: Brings a zesty, vibrant finish.
Chopped cilantro: A fresh herbal note that brightens each bite.
Queso fresco or cotija cheese: Savory crumbly cheese that adds a subtle salty tang.

How to Make Tacos Dorados with Potato and Ground Beef Filling Recipe

Step 1: Boil and Mash the Potatoes

First things first, place your diced russet potatoes in a large pot of boiling water and cook until they are beautifully fork-tender — about 20 minutes. Once drained, mash them right in the pot until smooth and fluffy. This creamy base is what will make your tacos irresistibly soft and comforting on the inside.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

While your potatoes are cooking, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing just until fragrant and translucent. This gives your filling a wonderfully aromatic foundation that will mingle perfectly with the meat.

Step 3: Cook Ground Beef with Seasonings

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with your spoon. Mix in chili powder, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cumin. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through—about 8 to 10 minutes. This spice blend is what makes the filling burst with so much authentic flavor.

Step 4: Combine Potatoes and Beef Filling

Once your beef is ready, fold in the mashed potatoes until every last creamy bit is combined evenly with the meat. Taste and adjust seasoning with a bit more salt if needed. This balance is crucial: you want the right savory, fluffy, and well-seasoned combo that will fill your tacos perfectly.

Step 5: Warm and Prepare Tortillas

Wrap your corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 30 seconds until they’re hot and pliable. If you prefer, warming them gently on a skillet or comal gives them a lovely slightly toasted charm. This step prevents cracking during the filling and frying later on.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos Dorados

Working in batches, spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the potato and ground beef mix onto half of each tortilla. Fold the other half over, creating a neat little half-moon. These will become your golden pockets of joy once fried.

Step 7: Fry Until Crispy and Golden

In a deep skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to reach halfway up the tacos. Heat it to around 350 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully fry the tacos in batches for about 45 to 60 seconds on each side until they turn that perfect shade of golden and crispy. This step is where the magic happens — the crispy exterior encasing the soft, flavorful filling is what makes Tacos Dorados so addictive.

Step 8: Drain and Repeat

Transfer the fried tacos to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil. Keep frying the remaining tacos until all are cooked to crispy perfection. Everyone will be eager to dig into these beauties right away.

Step 9: Add Toppings and Serve

Serve your Tacos Dorados with generous drizzles of Mexican crema, a handful of shredded lettuce, fresh salsa, chopped cilantro, and crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese. These finishing touches elevate each bite with fresh, creamy, and tangy notes that you absolutely cannot skip.

How to Serve Tacos Dorados with Potato and Ground Beef Filling Recipe

Three folded golden corn tortillas with a slightly crispy texture are arranged in a circle on a white plate with blue swirls. Beneath and around the tortillas is a bed of shredded light green lettuce. The tortillas are topped with scattered fresh cilantro leaves, white creamy sauce drizzled in thick lines, a dollop of dark red chunky salsa in the center, and a light sprinkling of white crumbly cheese. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishes are the final flourish in this Tacos Dorados with Potato and Ground Beef Filling Recipe, adding textures and bursts of flavor. Mexican crema brings luscious creaminess, while crisp shredded lettuce adds a refreshing crunch. Salsa contributes vibrant acidity and heat, chopped cilantro introduces a bright herbal note, and queso fresco or cotija cheese provides a salty, crumbly contrast. These toppings work together to complete every mouthwatering bite.

Side Dishes

For a full meal, serve these tacos alongside classic Mexican rice or refried beans. A simple avocado salad with lime juice or pickled jalapeños can further brighten the plate. You might also enjoy a light cucumber and tomato salad dressed with chili powder and lime for added freshness. These sides enhance the heartiness of your tacos without overpowering their rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd, arrange your Tacos Dorados on a large platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves and scatter the garnishes artistically on top. You can also present them taco-bar style, letting everyone customize their own with various salsas, cheeses, and creams. For a fun twist, cut the fried tacos into bite-sized pieces and serve with toothpicks at parties. Presentation can make this beloved recipe feel even more special and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover tacos dorados are just as good — if you have any! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the filling moist, tuck some paper towels between layers to absorb any excess moisture. This helps maintain a crisp texture when reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze fully assembled but not yet fried tacos for up to 2 months. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and flash freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, fry them directly from the freezer, just a bit longer to ensure they crisp up nicely all the way through.

Reheating

The secret to reheating Tacos Dorados with Potato and Ground Beef Filling Recipe is to revive their crispiness. Use a skillet or oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, turning occasionally, until heated through and crunchy again. Microwaving is convenient but can make the tacos soggy, so reserve that method only if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato in this recipe?

While russet potatoes are ideal because of their starchiness and fluffiness when mashed, you can use Yukon Gold if you prefer a creamier texture. Avoid waxy potatoes as they might not mash as smoothly and could affect the filling consistency.

How spicy are these Tacos Dorados?

The chili powder adds a mild heat that enhances flavor without overwhelming. If you want more kick, you can add some chopped jalapeños to the filling or serve with a hot salsa on the side.

Can I bake the tacos instead of frying?

Yes, if you prefer a lighter method, you can bake the assembled tacos at 400 degrees Fahrenheit on a greased baking sheet until golden and crispy, about 15-20 minutes per side. They won’t be quite as crunchy as fried but still very tasty.

What’s the best way to keep tortillas from breaking?

Warming the tortillas in a damp paper towel in the microwave or on a hot skillet makes them pliable and much easier to fold without cracking. Fresh tortillas also roll more smoothly than older ones.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Absolutely! The potato and ground beef filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. This saves time when you’re ready to assemble and fry the tacos, which is great for meal prep or entertaining.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that brings comfort, crunch, and loads of flavor, this Tacos Dorados with Potato and Ground Beef Filling Recipe is a must-try. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy classic Mexican flavors with a satisfying twist of textures. The golden crispy shells with the creamy, seasoned filling are nothing short of addictive, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation.