Beef & Pickle Taco Fiesta!

Malo's Inspired Beef & Pickle Tacos: My Weeknight Win!

By Chef BakerMay 22, 2025

Table of Contents

Okay, here's a section for your Beef & Pickle Taco Fiesta! recipe.

Recipe Introduction: Your New Taco Obsession

Ever had a craving hit you out of nowhere? i did. i was scrolling through joy the baker's site, and bam! there it was.

These beef & pickle tacos were a game changer! the combination of savory beef and tangy pickles? i had to try it.

It's all inspired by Malo's, a place I’ve heard whispers about. If I go to "//joythebaker.com/2023/05/malo-s-beef and-pickle tacos/], here's the blueprint" of the original recipe, it's a taste bud adventure you won't regret.

A Taste of Mexico (with a Twist)

This recipe isn't your authentic taco recipe . instead, think of it as a fun, americanized take on a classic. it's easy enough for a weeknight and packed with flavor.

We're talking umami ! it makes about 4 servings.

Why You Need These Tacos in Your Life

The Beef & Pickle Tacos are a fun new way to eat savory tacos. They add some tangy flavor to a favorite dish.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it uses easy-to-find ingredients, like ground beef and pickles. you get a ton of protein and some good carbs from the potatoes and tortillas.

Perfect for a casual taco tuesday or a fun family dinner recipes .

Honestly, these tacos are special because they’re unexpected. It's so good! They prove that sometimes, the craziest food combos are the most delicious. Ready to make some magic? Let's gather the ingredients.

What You'll Need for Your Pickle Tacos

Don't sweat it, the ingredient list is simple.

For the Beef & Potato Filling:

1 lb (454g) ground beef .
3-4 tablespoons (45-60ml) olive oil.
1 large russet potato, boiled with the peel on, then sliced.
1 heaping teaspoon (approx. 5g) garlic powder.
1 heaping teaspoon (approx. 3g) ground cumin.
1 heaping teaspoon (approx. 2g) dried oregano.
2 tablespoons (14g) paprika (smoked paprika recommended).
Salt and black pepper to taste.

For the Tacos:

12 corn tortillas.
Canola oil, for frying.
Kosher dill pickle slices , for serving.
Finely grated cheddar cheese, for serving.
Hot sauce, for serving (optional).

Alright, let's talk tacos! i'm seriously stoked to share this recipe, inspired by those crazy good beef & pickle tacos from malo's.

You know, the kind that make you go, "wait, pickles in tacos?" trust me on this one. as //joythebaker.com/2023/05/malo-s-beef and-pickle tacos/, here's the blueprint.

Let's Get Stuff Ready: Ingredients You'll Need

Okay, here's a list of what you'll grab, particularly for these pickle tacos . we're making homemade tacos , people! it's easier than you think.

This is one easy taco recipe you can whip up any night of the week. it's a total win for those weeknight dinner ideas .

Beef & Potato Stuff

Ground beef: 1 lb (454g) . Get the good stuff, like 80/20 for flavor.
Olive oil: 3-4 tablespoons (45-60ml) . Adds a nice richness.
Russet potato: 1 large , boiled. This is key.
Garlic powder: 1 heaping teaspoon (approx. 5g) . Don’t skimp.
Ground cumin: 1 heaping teaspoon (approx. 3g) . Adds that warm taco flavor.
Dried oregano: 1 heaping teaspoon (approx. 2g) . A touch of earthy goodness.
Paprika: 2 tablespoons (14g) . Smoked paprika is amazing here.
Salt and pepper: To taste. You know the drill.

Taco Time Goodies

Corn tortillas: 12 . Corn is the way to go here, trust.
Canola oil: For frying.
Dill pickle slices: For serving. Okay, this is the star.
Cheddar cheese: Finely grated. Sharp cheddar works great.
Hot sauce: Optional, but highly recommended.

Spices: Let's get Flavorful

The spice combo here is chef's kiss . We’re talking Savory Tacos with a punch.

Garlic, cumin, oregano, paprika : This is your base. It's magic.
Flavor enhancer : Smoked paprika takes it to the next level.
Spice it up : A pinch of cayenne or some chili powder could give you the kick you are looking for.

If you're missing something, don't panic. Chili powder is a decent sub for paprika. A little onion powder can stand in for garlic powder in a pinch.

Tools You'll Actually Use

This recipe isn't fussy. So, these are all the items for the Best Taco Recipe

Medium sauté pan : For cooking the beef.
Spatula or spoon : For breaking up the meat.
Paper towels : For draining those crispy tortillas.
Tongs : Essential for frying.
Cutting board and knife : For potatoes and pickles.
Russet Potato Recipes: (If people search for ways to use Russet Potatoes)

Don't have tongs? two forks work fine. no sauté pan? a regular skillet is good enough. the copycat recipe malo's -style beef tacos are all about flavour, not fancy equipment.

This unique taco recipe is surprisingly simple!

Crank Up the Heat: Mastering the Art of Frying Tortillas for Tacos

Okay, let's talk tacos, particularly beef tacos with a twist. we're ditching the same old blah and diving headfirst into pickle tacos , inspired by the culinary geniuses at malo's.

You know, like, //joythebaker.com/2023/05/malo-s-beef and-pickle tacos/, here's the blueprint, that recipe?

Honestly, i wasn't sure about the whole pickle thing at first, but trust me , it works. it's a unique taco recipe that brings the savory and the tangy together in a way that'll make your taste buds sing.

And a big part of nailing these homemade tacos is getting the tortillas just right. you could totally buy store-bought, but why not go the extra mile? think crispy, golden, and begging to be filled with deliciousness.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place is Your Friend

Before we even think about touching that oil, let's get our ducks in a row. essential mise en place, people! that means having everything measured out and ready to go.

We are aiming for a quick taco recipe after all.

First, make sure you have 12 corn tortillas .
Next, pour some canola oil into a skillet.
Have some paper towels ready to drain the fried tortillas.

Time saving tip: Stack your tortillas and keep them covered with a damp paper towel. This will make them more pliable and less likely to tear when you fry them.

Safety first! Hot oil is no joke. Always keep a close eye on the pan and don't leave it unattended.

step-by-step: Frying Like a Pro

Alright, let's get frying. This is where the magic happens.

Pour about 1/4 inch of canola oil into a medium skillet.
Heat the oil over medium high heat. You want it hot, but not smoking.
Carefully place one tortilla in the hot oil.
Fry for about 30-45 seconds per side, until lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on it.
Flip the tortilla and repeat on the other side.
Remove the tortilla with tongs and place it on a paper towel lined plate to drain excess oil.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

Visual cue: the tortilla should be golden brown and slightly crispy, but still pliable enough to fold. critical temperature points: aim for an oil temp of around 350° f ( 175° c) if you have a thermometer.

Pro Tips: Taco Frying Secrets

Okay, here's the Copycat Recipe Malo's secret sauce: frying tortillas right.

Expert technique: Don't overcrowd the pan! Fry tortillas one or two at a time to maintain the oil temperature.
Common mistake: Overcooking the tortillas! They'll become too hard and brittle to fold.
make-ahead option: Fry the tortillas ahead of time and keep them warm in a low oven (around 200° F ( 95° C) ) until you're ready to assemble your Beef & Potato Filling and enjoy your Family Dinner Recipes.

Honestly, the best part about making these tangy tacos is that you can totally customize them to your liking. pile on the cheddar cheese and hot sauce for tacos if you like.

And don't forget a dollop of sour cream for tacos or a refreshing mexican crema for tacos . enjoy these umami tacos and embrace the taco life.

Alright, let's talk about all those extra bits that make a recipe sing , you know? We're talking about those recipe notes !

Recipe Notes: Making It Your Own

I'm all about giving you the basics. but i also want you to feel free to tweak things. cooking should be fun, not stressful! inspired by //joythebaker.

Com/2023/05/malo-s-beef and-pickle tacos/], here's the blueprint. these beef tacos are a good start, but feel free to get wild.

Serving Suggestions: Let's Get Fancy (or Not!)

Okay, presentation! honestly, sometimes i just pile the pickle tacos on a plate and dive in. no shame! but if you’re feeling fancy, a little chopped cilantro on top looks great.

A squeeze of lime always brightens things up.

Think about serving these with some sides. rice and beans are classic. or maybe a simple salad. and don't forget the drinks! a cold mexican beer pairing would be perfect.

For a fun twist try a homemade margarita recipe .

Storage Tips: Leftovers, Y'all

Got leftovers? lucky you! store the beef filling in an airtight container in the fridge. it'll be good for about 3 days.

The fried tortilla tacos are best eaten fresh. they can get a little soggy if stored.

Reheating is easy. just pop the beef in the microwave. or heat it up in a pan on the stove.

If you want to revive the corn tortilla tacos , a quick zap in a hot pan can add a little crispness! but be careful not to burn it!

Freezing? I wouldn’t recommend freezing the assembled tacos. But the beef filling freezes great! Just thaw it out overnight in the fridge. Then reheat and assemble your homemade tacos !

Variations: Remix Time!

Want to mix things up? I get it!

Dietary Adaptations: Try making these vegetarian tacos using black beans instead of ground beef. You could even use some crumbled tofu. Use lettuce wraps for low-carb tacos .

Seasonal swaps: swap the russet potato recipes using other root vegetables. like sweet potatoes in the fall, if that's your thing.

This easy taco recipe is pretty darn customizable. for extra tangy tacos add more pickles.

Nutrition Basics: Keeping It Real

Look, i’m not a nutritionist. but i can tell you these tacos have protein, carbs, and fats. everything in moderation, right? the ground beef tacos have protein.

The tortillas and potatoes add carbs. and the cheese gives you some fat. the dill pickle recipe doesn’t have too many calories, but a world of flavor.

The benefits of comfort food recipes is also something to consider.

The important thing is to enjoy your food. These Malo's inspired tacos are all about fun.

So go ahead. make these beef and pickle tacos. don't be afraid to experiment. most importantly, have fun in the kitchen.

And seriously, let me know what you think! this unique taco recipe can become your signature dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the big deal with pickles in tacos? Are Malo's Beef and Pickle Tacos really that good?

Trust us, it sounds a bit bonkers, but it totally works! The tangy dill pickle provides a fantastic counterpoint to the savory, spiced ground beef and potatoes. It's a flavor explosion, like when you first tried putting crisps in a sandwich unexpected, but brilliant. Give these Malo's Beef and Pickle Tacos, here's the blueprint a go, you might just be converted.

Can I make these Beef and Pickle Tacos ahead of time?

You can definitely prep components in advance! Cook the beef and potato filling and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, it's best to fry the tortillas and assemble the tacos just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.

No one wants a soggy taco; that's just a sad state of affairs.

What if I don’t want to fry the tortillas? Can I bake them or use store-bought shells for these tacos inspired by Malo's Beef and Pickle Tacos, here's the blueprint?

Absolutely! Frying tortillas gives them that authentic crispy texture, but you can easily bake them for a healthier option. Just brush them with a little oil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until crisp. Alternatively, using pre-made hard or soft taco shells from the supermarket is a perfectly acceptable shortcut.

Think of it as the ready-made pastry of the taco world convenient and gets the job done!

Any suggestions for making these tacos healthier?

You bet! Use lean ground beef, bake instead of fry the tortillas, and load up on the pickles for extra crunch and fewer calories. You could even use a plant based meat substitute. Serving with a side salad instead of rice and beans is another easy way to lighten things up.

It's all about balance, like a good cup of tea and a biscuit - both can be enjoyed mindfully!

I don’t have all the spices listed. What can I substitute in these Beef and Pickle Tacos?

No worries, let’s get resourceful! If you're missing a specific spice, taco seasoning to the rescue! It's a great all-in-one option. If you have chili powder, that can sub in for paprika and cumin. Just remember to taste and adjust as you go.

Cooking is all about being flexible a bit like navigating British weather you just adapt!

What's the best way to store leftover Beef and Pickle Taco filling?

Store any leftover beef and potato filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. As mentioned, avoid assembling the tacos until you're ready to eat to prevent sogginess.

Reheating assembled tacos is never quite the same, a bit like reheated chips - acceptable in a pinch, but never as good as fresh.