I always have tortillas tucked away in my fridge. They keep for weeks and are helpful when it comes to making something quick for dinner. I mean, hello cheese quesadilla! You can even turn them into chips when you get a hankering for some homemade guacamole. But I think I just found the perfect recipe to keep in my back pocket for nights when I’m craving something a little heartier.

These crispy beef tacos, from the TikTok creator Aflavorfulbite have been circulating on social media since last fall, and I, along with others on The Kitchn team, haven’t been able to stop thinking about them. The video has over 130 million views (and 10 million likes!), so I know we’re not alone. The recipe is straightforward, but there’s something about the extra-crispy tortillas that had us all wondering: Is this viral recipe as good as it looks?

How to make crispy beef tacos

Start by dicing half of a yellow onion. Get a pan hot with some oil then cook the onion for a few minutes before adding a pound of ground beef (the creator specifically calls for 90/10). When the beef is mostly browned, stir in a couple tablespoons of tomato paste and taco seasoning and continue to cook until beef is cooked through. If the mixture seems dry, add a little water.

Next, it’s time to assemble your tacos. Grab some small flour tortillas (the recipe calls for 6-inch taco size) and sprinkle a thin layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on the top half of each. Add some ground beef and onion mixture, then another sprinkling of mozzarella cheese. Fold the bottom half of your tortilla onto the top and set it aside.

Meanwhile, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a clean pan. When the oil is hot, place your tacos into the pan and allow each side to cook until crispy and golden brown. Make sure to work in batches so as to not crowd your pan, adding more oil as needed.

Transfer your tacos to a wire rack after cooking to help preserve that crunch. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with limes and a creamy cilantro sauce (I used the Cilantro Salad Dressing from Trader Joe’s).

My honest review of crispy beef tacos

These crispy beef tacos taste as good as they look, which, considering the millions of views, is really saying something.

I don’t normally add tomato paste to the ground meat when I make tacos, but I love the richness it adds. The mozzarella cheese was another amazing addition in my book. Beyond the glorious cheese pull it delivers, it adds extra creaminess. Oaxaca or Queso Fresco would also be great.

The best part though is really the texture. Taking the time to fry really allows the tortilla to take on a gorgeous golden color and the perfect crunch. The cheese also has just the right amount of time to get nice and gooey during this cook time. My mouth is watering just recounting my experience, and I fully intend on making them again.

If you’re someone, like me, who has been haunted by this viral video, just make it already. You won’t be disappointed.

(Celia Funderburk is an editorial assistant for TheKitchn.com, a nationally known blog for people who love food and home cooking. Submit any comments or questions to editorial@thekitchn.com.)

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