Crispy Beef Tacos with Creamy Queso Sauce

🧾 Ingredients

Taco filling

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp oregano
• Salt & pepper to taste
• ¼ cup tomato sauce or salsa
• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Tacos

• 8 small corn tortillas
• Oil for frying

Creamy queso sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup cream
• 1 tsp paprika or taco seasoning
• Salt to taste

Toppings

• Diced tomatoes
• Fresh cilantro
• Optional: sour cream, jalapeños

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the beef

1. In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
3. Stir in spices, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce.
4. Simmer 5 minutes until flavorful and slightly saucy.
5. Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheese.

2. Assemble tacos

1. Warm tortillas slightly so they don’t crack.
2. Fill each tortilla with beef mixture.
3. Fold into taco shape.

3. Fry until crispy

1. Heat oil in a pan (medium heat).
2. Fry tacos seam-side down first.
3. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
4. Drain on paper towels.

4. Make queso sauce

1. Melt butter in a saucepan.
2. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
3. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth.
4. Stir until thickened.
5. Add cheese, cream, and seasoning.
6. Mix until smooth and creamy.

5. Assemble & serve

• Place tacos on a plate
• Pour warm queso sauce over top
• Sprinkle diced tomatoes and cilantro

🔥 Tips for best results

• Use corn tortillas for that crispy texture
• Don’t overfill or they’ll open while frying
• For extra flavor, dip tortillas in broth or sauce before frying (birria-style twist)
• Add a little hot sauce to queso for a kick

⏱️ Time & Servings

• Prep: 15 minutes
• Cook: 20 minutes
• Serves: 3–4 people