How to make Picadillo Tacos: Crispy Beef Tacos
Ingredients:
For picadillo filling
1.1 lb ground beef
1 large green bell pepper or poblano pepper (diced)
1 medium onion
2 small tomatoes
2 garlic cloves (minced)
½ tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp hot paprika
4 Tbsp canola oil
salt and pepper (as needed)
For tacos & garnish
16 corn tortillas
oil for frying (as needed)
3 cups lettuce (shredded)
1 large tomato (sliced)
⅔ cup Mexican crema (or sour cream)
½ cup Queso fresco (or mozzarella, cheddar, etc.)
spicy salsa
Instructions:
Heat the oil on a pan over medium heat. Add first the diced bell peppers and sauté for 1 minute.
Add onions and sauté everything for 3 minutes or until onions become translucent and peppers are a bit softened.
Add the meat and all spices (cumin, paprika, oregano, salt and pepper), mix well and cook until meat is not longer pink.
Add tomatoes and mix well, cook for one more minute then cover the pan and low the heat cooking for about 10 to 15 minutes mixing from time to time.
Adjust with salt and keep cooking until there’s almost not juices left on the pan.
Heat a cast iron skillet or a comal over high heat. Warm up the tortillas from both sides (about 20-30 seconds per side) and wrap them with a kitchen towel to keep them warm and and pliable.
Place two or three tortillas on a plate and spoon some picadillo on the middle. Fold in half, making a little pressure to stick the tortilla with the meat mixture. Repeat until all picadillo is gone.
Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan. Fry tacos placing them carefully into the oil and, using a spatula, firmly press down the edges, to prevent them from opening (read notes).
Once picadillo tacos are nicely crispy on both sides, remove from oil and place them onto a plate lined with kitchen paper towels.
Carefully open a taco and garnish with lettuce and tomato slices. Drizzle with cream and with your favorite salsa and finish topping with cheese. Serve immediately.
Enjoy !!