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Easy Crispy Ground Beef Tacos with Best Mexican Street Corn Salsa Recipe

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A quick and satisfying recipe for crispy ground beef tacos paired with a vibrant Mexican street corn salsa, perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended for juiciness)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp sour cream (optional)
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ¼ cup crumbled Cotija cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salt, to taste
  • Optional toppings: diced red onion, fresh sliced jalapeños, extra lime wedges, hot sauce of choice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mexican Street Corn Salsa: Roast fresh corn kernels in a hot cast iron pan over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until lightly charred, or sauté thawed frozen corn until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
  2. Add mayonnaise, sour cream (if using), lime juice, chili powder, and salt to the corn. Mix until combined. Stir in crumbled Cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. Adjust seasoning as needed and refrigerate to let flavors meld.
  3. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a spatula.
  4. Sprinkle in cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute seasoning.
  5. Cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is fully browned and starts to crisp around edges, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and drain excess grease if necessary.
  6. Warm the Tortillas: Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Warm tortillas one at a time for about 20 seconds per side until pliable and slightly toasted. Keep covered with a clean towel.
  7. Assemble the Tacos: Spoon crispy ground beef onto each tortilla, top with a generous spoonful of Mexican street corn salsa.
  8. Add optional toppings like diced red onion, jalapeños, or extra lime juice.
  9. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for best crispiness. Do not overcrowd the pan to allow proper browning. Prepare salsa ahead for better flavor. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas or taco shells. For dairy-free, omit cheese and sour cream or use plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef tacos, crispy tacos, Mexican street corn salsa, easy tacos, quick dinner, weeknight meal, taco recipe

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/easy-crispy-ground-beef-tacos-with-best-mexican-street-corn-salsa-recipe/