Crispy Beef Tacos

• 1 pound ground beef (90/10)
• 1/2 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/4 cup water or beef broth (as needed)
• salt (to taste)
• 8 flour tortillas (6 inch taco size)
• 2 to 3 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• avocado or vegetable oil (for frying)
• fresh cilantro (finely chopped, garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until mostly browned, about 4-5 minutes.

   8 min
2. 2

   Mix in the tomato paste and taco seasoning. Stir in water or beef broth if the filling appears dry. Continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt to taste if needed. Remove from heat and set aside.

   4 min
3. 3

   On a clean work surface, place a tortilla. On the top half of the tortilla, add some mozzarella cheese (about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons). Spoon on a portion of the beef filling and top with more cheese (about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons). Fold the bottom half over the filling and press gently to seal. Repeat with remaining tortillas, beef, and cheese to make 8 tacos.

   10 min
4. 4

   Heat about 3-4 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. In batches, pan fry the tacos for about 1 minute per side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a wire cooling rack set over a baking sheet. Add more oil between batches if needed.

   10 min
5. 5

   Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve immediately while hot and crispy with your favorite sauce (such as creamy cilantro lime sauce).