A simple recipe for crispy beef tacos from TikTok creator @Aflavorfulbite has exploded in popularity, amassing over 130 million views. The appeal lies in the combination of familiar flavors and an unexpected crispy texture. The tacos are quick to make, using ingredients most people already have on hand, making them ideal for a fast yet satisfying meal.
The Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
The core of the recipe centers around frying small flour tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef and mozzarella cheese.
- Prepare the Filling : Dice half a yellow onion and sauté it in oil. Add a pound of 90/10 ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and taco seasoning, adding water if needed to prevent dryness.
- Assemble the Tacos : Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on the top half of 6-inch flour tortillas. Add the beef and onion mixture, then another layer of mozzarella. Fold the tortilla in half.
- Fry to Crispy Perfection : Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the tacos in batches until golden brown and crispy, adding more oil as needed. Transfer to a wire rack to maintain crunch.
- Garnish and Serve : Top with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges and a creamy cilantro sauce (Trader Joe’s Cilantro Salad Dressing is one option).
Why the Recipe Works
The recipe’s success isn’t just about ease: the tomato paste adds richness to the beef, while the mozzarella cheese creates a desirable gooey texture. The frying process is the key to achieving the signature crunch, transforming the tortilla into a satisfyingly crisp shell.
The use of mozzarella is an uncommon but effective addition to traditional tacos; it delivers a creamy pull that enhances the overall eating experience. The technique of frying the tacos ensures they stay crispy even after being assembled, something that other taco recipes often struggle with.
Final Verdict
These crispy beef tacos live up to the hype. The combination of familiar flavors with an elevated texture makes for a simple, yet satisfying meal. If you’ve been seeing this recipe online, there’s a good reason: it’s genuinely delicious and easy to make.
