Cheesy Crispy Beef Tacos

SAVE

Crispy tacos made with ground beef and melted cheese are a crowd favorite for their satisfying crunch and gooey middle.

The homemade cilantro lime sauce adds a fresh, zesty kick that balances the richness of the cheese and meat.

These tacos are easy to make and can be customized with toppings you have on hand.

About the Ingredients

1 lb (450g) ground beef

Ground beef is the core of the taco filling. If you can’t find ground beef, use ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a different taste.

1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Mozzarella adds a gooey texture that melts nicely. If you prefer a sharper cheese, try cheddar or Monterey Jack instead.

8 small corn tortillas

Corn tortillas give the tacos a traditional crispiness. If you prefer a softer shell, use flour tortillas or warm them in a pan first.

1/4 cup (60ml) mayonnaise

Mayo helps bind the sauce ingredients. If you want a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead.

1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream

Sour cream adds a cool, creamy texture to the sauce. You can skip it if you prefer a thinner consistency.

1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh cilantro

Cilantro gives the sauce a bright, fresh flavor. If you don’t like it, substitute with parsley or skip it altogether.

1/2 jalapeño, seeded and chopped

Jalapeño adds a subtle heat. If you want more spice, use a serrano pepper or add more jalapeño.

1 tablespoon (15ml) lime juice

Lime juice adds acidity. If you don’t have lime, use lemon juice or a squeeze of bottled lime juice.

1 tablespoon (15g) chopped garlic

Garlic gives the sauce a savory depth. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, or substitute with garlic powder if needed.

1/4 cup (30g) crumbled cotija cheese

Cotija adds a salty, tangy flavor. If you can’t find it, use feta or a bit of shredded parmesan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef, stirring occasionally, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and set aside.

2. Make the sauce

In a blender, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, and lime juice. Blend until smooth and set aside.

3. Fry the tortillas

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add tortillas one at a time, cooking each for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy.

4. Assemble the tacos

Place a spoonful of the cooked beef in the center of each tortilla. Top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese.

5. Bake the tacos

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place assembled tacos on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve with sauce

Once the tacos are done, drizzle the homemade cilantro lime sauce over them. Add optional toppings like avocado, onion, or cilantro for extra flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t skip the step of pan-frying the tortillas. This gives them a crisp texture that holds the filling well.
• Use a nonstick pan to avoid the tortillas sticking while frying.
• If the cheese doesn’t melt properly, let the tacos rest for a minute or two before serving.
• For extra flavor, season the ground beef with cumin, chili powder, or salt and pepper before cooking.

Delicious Variations

• Use barbacoa beef or shredded chicken instead of ground beef for a different protein option.
• Try adding black beans or grilled corn for a heartier, more colorful taco.
• Make the tacos vegetarian by using seasoned cauliflower or black beans in place of the beef.

How to Store Cheesy crispy beef tacos with homemade cilantro lime sauce

These cheesy crispy beef tacos are a perfect weeknight meal or party starter. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a dish that’s sure to impress with its textures and flavors.

Cheesy crispy beef tacos with homemade cilantro lime sauce

Cheesy crispy beef tacos with homemade cilantro lime sauce are a flavorful, quick meal that brings comfort and crunch to any taco night.

15 minPrep time35 minCook time6Servings285 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1/4 cup (60ml) mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream
• 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) lime juice
• 1 tablespoon (15g) chopped garlic
• 1/4 cup (30g) crumbled cotija cheese

📋 Instructions

1. 1Cook the beef — Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef, stirring occasionally, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
2. 2Make the sauce — In a blender, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, and lime juice. Blend until smooth and set aside.
3. 3Fry the tortillas — Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add tortillas one at a time, cooking each for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy.
4. 4Assemble the tacos — Place a spoonful of the cooked beef in the center of each tortilla. Top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese.
5. 5Bake the tacos — Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place assembled tacos on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. 6Serve with sauce — Once the tacos are done, drizzle the homemade cilantro lime sauce over them. Add optional toppings like avocado, onion, or cilantro for extra flavor.

👨🍳 Chef's Note: For a lighter version, use low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt in the sauce. Keep the tortillas hot after frying to prevent sogginess.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Main Course

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Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 12g protein · 22g carbs · 9g fat