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Delicious San Antonio-style Puffy Tacos filled with ground beef and fresh toppings.

Puffy Tacos

Enjoy crispy outside and soft inside puffy tacos filled with richly seasoned ground beef. Perfect for a cozy dinner or taco night with family and friends!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 585
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the taco shells
  • 2 cups masa harina Look for masa harina suitable for tortillas or tamales.
  • 1 cup warm water Warm water helps hydrate the masa faster.
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon oil Optional, for added richness.
For the beef filling
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20) Drain excess fat after cooking.
  • 1 medium diced onion
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste Optional, for flavor enhancement.
For toppings
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 medium diced tomato
  • 1 cup shredded cheese Cheddar or your choice.
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1/2 cup sour cream Optional topping.

Method
 

Prepare the Masa Dough
  1. In a bowl, mix masa harina, warm water, salt, and optional oil until it feels like soft Play Doh.
  2. Let the dough rest for 10 to 15 minutes covered with a damp towel.
  3. Pinch off a small ball and flatten; adjust water or masa harina if needed.
Cook the Beef Filling
  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion and cook until soft, then add minced garlic and spices.
  3. Cook off excess moisture, ensuring filling is thick enough to hold its shape.
Form and Fry the Tacos
  1. Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to about 350°F.
  2. Press masa balls into tortillas using a tortilla press or heavy skillet.
  3. Fry tortillas until they puff, gently spoon hot oil over the top as they cook.
  4. Cook until lightly golden, then drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
Assemble Tacos
  1. Stuff each puffy shell with ground beef filling and your choice of toppings.

Notes

Keep finished shells warm in a low oven and avoid stacking them tightly to keep them crisp. Store leftover filling in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, but puffy shells are best fresh.