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Razzle Dazzle Life » Mexican Inspired

Tacos Dorados

This post was last updated on March 6, 2025 at 10:37 pm

February 3, 2023 by Tamara J. 5 Comments

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Take Me to the Recipe

Tacos Dorados are a delicious combo of golden, crispy tortillas filled with a flavorful mix of mashed potatoes, melty cheese, and optional beef or chicken. Fried to perfection, each bite is packed with the perfect, cheesy crunch.

For more Mexican-inspired recipes, try my Chalupas, Caldo de Res (Mexican Beef Soup), and Mexican Shrimp Cocktail next.

plated taco dorados

Taco night just got a little tastier with this tacos dorados recipe! The corn tortillas turn golden brown and crispy after pan-frying, creating the perfect shell for the flavorful filling. Stuffed with a cheesy potato mixture, these tacos are inspired by classic Mexican street food.

And they are as versatile as they are delicious! You can keep them simple or add shredded chicken or beef for an extra boost of protein. The fun part is customizing the toppings with everything from salsa to guacamole. With straightforward steps, this recipe makes an easy meal!

plated taco dorados

What are tacos dorados?

Tacos dorados, also known as tacos dorados con papa or fried tacos with potatoes, are a classic Mexican dish made with corn tortillas stuffed with mashed potatoes or your choice of protein. The name translates to "golden tacos," highlighting their signature crisp exterior.

While traditionally filled with meat and cheese, they’re just as delicious without, making them a great vegetarian option. The cheesy potato filling adds a creamy texture, while frying creates the perfect crunch.

Ingredients

  • Corn Tortillas: Warm them before stuffing to prevent cracking during frying.
  • Russet Potatoes: Peel and cut into chunks for easy boiling and mashing.
  • Monterey Jack Cheese: Shredded for a creamy, melty filling.
  • Onion: Finely diced for added flavor and texture.
  • Chicken Bouillon Powder: Adds depth to the mashed potatoes. Skip this for vegetarian tacos.
  • Seasonings: A mix of garlic powder, black pepper, and optional seasoned salt.
  • Protein: Optional shredded chicken or ground beef for a heartier taco.
  • Vegetable Oil: Essential for frying the tacos to a golden crisp.
overhead view of tacos dorados ingredients

How to Make Tacos Dorados

See recipe card for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

Mash Potatoes

Fill a medium saucepan up with enough water to cover the cubed potatoes. Add the cleaned and cubed potatoes directly into the pan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. 

seasoned and chopped potatoes in a pan

Cook the potatoes for about 15 minutes, or until they are fork tender. Drain the water from the potatoes. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash them down until most of the chunks are removed.

mashed potatoes in a pot

Sprinkle the cheese directly over the potatoes, add in the diced onion, and add all of the seasonings. Mix the potatoes thoroughly until all of the seasonings are fully incorporated.

If you're adding chicken or beef into the potato mixture, now's the time to add it.

Fry Tacos

Dampen 2-3 paper towels with water, you do not want them soaking wet, but just damp. Wrap the corn tortillas in the paper towels and microwave on high for 45 seconds.

a stack of corn tortillas

Remove them from the microwave. Heat the oil up in a skillet over medium heat, it should reach at least 350°F.

Place about one tablespoon of the potato mixture into one side of the warm tortilla, and fold the other side directly over it to form the shape of a taco. Squeeze the edges of the tortilla to seal it closed. 

mashed potatoes smeared on half of a corn tortilla
a hand folding a corn tortilla

Repeat these steps until all of the tacos are assembled. Keep a damp paper towel draped over the tacos so that the corn tortillas do not dry out too much and begin to crack.

uncooked corn tortillas

Add the tacos into the hot oil one at a time until the pan is full. Do not overcrowd the skillet because they will not cook evenly. Fry the tacos on each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

frying tacos in a skillet
stuffed tacos frying in a skillet

Remove them from the skillet and place them on a cooling rack or a bed of paper towels to drain the excess oil. Repeat with the remaining tacos dorados until they are all fried. 

fried tacos dorados

Add your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

a hand holding a taco dorado

Pro Tips

  • Do not overstuff the tacos. Filling them to the edges can cause them to burst open while frying, making a mess and losing the filling.
  • Warm the tortillas before filling. This prevents them from cracking and makes them easier to fold.
  • Drain the beef or chicken thoroughly. Excess moisture can make the tortillas soggy, resulting in less crunchy tacos.
  • Use a cooling rack or paper towels to drain fried tacos. This helps remove excess oil and keeps the tacos crisp instead of greasy.
  • Keep the tortillas covered with a damp paper towel while assembling. This prevents them from drying out and cracking before frying.
  • Maintain the oil temperature. Keep it at 350°F for even cooking; if the oil is too cool, the tacos will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
  • Fry in small batches. Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature and prevents the tacos from cooking evenly.

Alternatives and Variations:

  • Cheese: Want to make these crispy tacos even more addicting? Instead of Monterey jack, you could use a Mexican cheese blend, pepper jack cheese, or even cheddar cheese.
  • Protein: Your options don't stop at beef or chicken. You can use shredded pork, shrimp, or refried beans instead.
plated taco dorados

Suggested Toppings

Tacos dorados pair well with a variety of sauces and side dishes to build up the flavor. Here are some tasty suggestions:

  • Consomé: this rich, savory broth would be the perfect dipping sauce for dorados tacos. Check out my Beef Birria Questacos recipe to see how I make consomé.
  • Jalapeno Ranch: My homemade sauce tastes just like Chuy's. It's creamy and spicy with a hint of tang.
  • Salsa Roja: A zesty, spicy blend of tomatoes, jalapenos, onions, and garlic.
  • Fresh Produce: Tacos are not complete without shredded lettuce, sliced radish, and avocado.
  • Guacamole: Creamy avocados are blended with tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, cilantro and a burst of lime for a fresh dip that pairs perfectly with frid tacos.
  • More Cheese: Slather queso fresco on the tacos for bold, tangy flavor. For a milder tasting cheese, use panela cheese.
  • Mexican Rice: Round out the meal with a side of fluffy rice.

Drizzle these potato tacos with delectable salsa or dip them in a savory, spicy consomé.

Storage

Tacos dorados are best served fresh but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

When you want to reheat them, bake them in the oven for ten minutes at 350°F so they maintain their crunchy shell. Alternatively, place them in the air fryer at 400°F for 3-5 minutes. Skip the microwave because they will get too soggy.

plated taco dorados

FAQ

Whats the difference between flautas and tacos dorados?

In Mexico, tacos dorados are sometimes referred to as flautas because they are deep fried. However, flautas are bigger, rolled (instead of folded), and are usually made with flour tortillas.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Corn tortillas are traditional for tacos dorados because they fry up crisp and golden. Flour tortillas can be used but may turn out softer and less crispy.

Why are my taco dorados soggy?

The oil probably was not hot enough to properly crisp the tacos. The oil should reach 375°F.

overhead view of taco dorados with garnish and sauce

More Taco Recipes

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

  • close up view of chicken tacos
    Crispy Cheesy Chicken Tinga Tacos
  • plated brisket tacos drizzled with jalapeno ranch
    Cheesy and Crispy Brisket Tacos
  • shrimp tacos setting on a platter with a side of lime wedges
    Quick and Easy Shrimp Tacos
  • Birria Queso Tacos with Consomé
    Beef Birria QuesaTacos con Consomé

After you try this Tacos Dorados recipe, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Comment below and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for more delicious recipes!

📖 Recipe

plated taco dorados

Tacos Dorados

Tacos Dorados are a delicious combo of golden, crispy tortillas filled with a flavorful mix of mashed potatoes, melty cheese, and optional beef or chicken. Fried to perfection, each bite is packed with the perfect, cheesy crunch.
Print Recipe SaveSaved! Rate Recipe
Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Course: 30 Minute Meals
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: How to make tacos dorados, Taco dorado, tacos dorados, Tacos dorados de papa, What are tacos dorados
Servings: 16 tacos
Calories: 1220kcal
Author: Tamara J.

Ingredients

  • 16 Corn tortillas
  • 3 large Russet potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 cups Monterey jack cheese shredded
  • ½ medium Onion diced
  • ½ tablespoon Chicken bouillon powder
  • 1 teaspoon Seasoned salt optional
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon Black pepper
  • 2 cups Chicken or beef shredded (optional)
  • 2 cups Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  • Fill a medium saucepan up with enough water to cover the cubed potatoes. Add the cleaned and cubed potatoes directly into the pan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. 
  • Cook the potatoes for about 15 minutes, or until they are fork tender. Drain the water from the potatoes. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash them down until most of the chunks are removed.
  • Sprinkle the cheese directly over the potatoes, add in the diced onion, and add all of the seasonings including the chicken bouillon, seasoned salt (if desired), garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix the potatoes thoroughly until all of the seasoning is fully incorporated. (Combine the chicken or beef into the potato mixture now if you are adding it.)
  • Fry the tacos: 
  • Dampen 2-3 paper towels with water, you do not want them soaking wet, but just damp. Wrap the corn tortillas in the paper towels and microwave on high for 45 seconds.
  • Remove them from the microwave. Heat the oil up in a skillet over medium heat, it should reach at least 350°F.
  • Place about one tablespoon of the potato mixture into one side of the warm tortilla, and fold the other side directly over it to form the shape of a taco. Squeeze the edges of the tortilla to seal it closed. 
  • Repeat these steps until all of the tacos are assembled. Keep a damp paper towel draped over the tacos so that the corn tortillas do not dry out too much and begin to crack.
  • Add the tacos into the hot oil one at a time until the pan is full. Do not overcrowd the skillet because they will not cook evenly. Fry the tacos on each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
  • Remove them from the skillet and place them on a cooling rack or a bed of paper towels to drain the excess oil. Repeat with the remaining tacos until they are all fried. 
  • Add your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

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Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 1220kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 95g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 74g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 688mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 3g
Did you make this recipe?Please leave a comment on the blog and tag me in your photo on Instagram or Facebook!

More Mexican Inspired

  • picadillo or ground beef with potatoes in a white bowl with quesadillas next to it on a table
    Picadillo (Ground Beef and Potatoes)
  • A taco bowl filled with roasted sweet potatoes, ground beef, avocado slices, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and a drizzle of creamy pink sauce, garnished with lime.
    Flavor Packed Sweet Potato Taco Bowl
  • A plate of taco rice topped with melted cheese, fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a creamy sauce, served alongside a bowl filled with the same flavorful mixture.
    Cheesy Southwest Taco Rice Skillet
  • a bowl of beef and vegetable soup with a side of lime wedges and Mexican rice on a table setting
    Caldo de Res (Hearty Mexican Beef Soup)

Thanks for sharing!

104 shares
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Comments

    5 from 5 votes

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Pam says

    August 10, 2023 at 11:24 pm

    5 stars
    Yum

    Reply
  2. Yola says

    March 22, 2023 at 12:30 pm

    5 stars
    Mm

    Reply
  3. Sanchez says

    February 22, 2023 at 5:12 pm

    5 stars
    Delicioso!

    Reply
  4. Carita says

    February 09, 2023 at 3:22 pm

    5 stars
    I saw this recipe on TikTok and new I wanted to try it. It was absolutely delicious, super creamy and I loved the crispiness from the taco. Will definitely make these again and again!

    Reply
  5. gina says

    February 07, 2023 at 5:24 pm

    5 stars
    the best

    Reply

HEY, Y'ALL!

I'm Tamara! I'm a Southern girl who has cooking in her blood. A wife and busy mom of four awesome kids. I love sharing fun family ideas, money saving life hacks, and have a variety of fool-proof family-friendly recipes for the family on the go. Learn more about Tamara


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