These crispy, cheesy fried taco roll-ups are a delicious twist on classic tacos. They’re crunchy on the outside, filled with seasoned beef and melted cheese, and perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients (makes about 8–10 roll-ups)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 packet Old El Paso Original Taco Seasoning
- 2–3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (Sargento 4 Cheese Mexican recommended)
- 10 small street taco tortillas (Mission Street Tacos or similar, 4–6 inch size)
- Vegetable oil (enough for shallow frying, about ½–¾ inch depth in the pan)
- Optional toppings/sides: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the beef filling In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat. Add the taco seasoning packet and the amount of water called for on the package (usually ⅔ cup). Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Assemble the roll-ups Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the seasoned ground beef down the center. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the beef. Fold in the sides slightly, then roll the tortilla tightly from the bottom up into a cigar shape. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Fry the roll-ups Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat (oil should be about 350–375°F / 175–190°C). Carefully place the roll-ups seam-side down in the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve Serve immediately while hot. Cut in half diagonally if desired to show the cheesy filling. Pair with sour cream, salsa, or your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips
- Work quickly when rolling so the tortillas don’t dry out.
- You can secure the roll-ups with toothpicks before frying if they tend to unroll.
- For extra crispiness, fry in batches and keep finished ones warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven.
- These are best eaten fresh. Leftovers can be reheated in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.
Enjoy your crispy Fried Taco Roll-Ups! They’re always a crowd-pleaser. 🇲🇽
