Tex-Mex
Jack in the Box Inspired Tiny Tacos
Crunchy bite-size tacos filled with finely seasoned beef and beans, fried until crisp, and served with a cool avocado-lime dipping sauce.
Inspired by Jack in the Box
Prep
45 min
Cook
30 min
Serves
6 servings
Difficulty
Hard
Cooking Tools
Pantry match
Uses the current servings and temporary recipe changes.
Missing 19 ingredients
- • 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- • 8 ounces ground beef, 85/15
- • 1/2 cup canned refried beans
- • 2 tablespoons water
- • 1 teaspoon chili powder
- • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- • 24 street-taco-size corn tortillas
- • 1 tablespoon water mixed with 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- • 6 cups canola oil, for frying
- • 1 ripe avocado
- • 1/3 cup sour cream
- • 2 tablespoons lime juice
- • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- • 1 small garlic clove, grated
- • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, for sauce
- • 2 to 4 tablespoons water, to thin sauce
View ingredient-by-ingredient match
- 1 tablespoon neutral oilMissing
- 8 ounces ground beef, 85/15Missing
- 1/2 cup canned refried beansMissing
- 2 tablespoons waterMissing
- 1 teaspoon chili powderMissing
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cuminMissing
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powderMissing
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powderMissing
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher saltMissing
- 24 street-taco-size corn tortillasMissing
- 1 tablespoon water mixed with 1 tablespoon all-purpose flourMissing
- 6 cups canola oil, for fryingMissing
- 1 ripe avocadoMissing
- 1/3 cup sour creamMissing
- 2 tablespoons lime juiceMissing
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantroMissing
- 1 small garlic clove, gratedMissing
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, for sauceMissing
- 2 to 4 tablespoons water, to thin sauceMissing
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Method
Recipe notes
Finely mashed filling and flexible tortillas are the keys to a crisp taco that does not burst. Keep the filling modest and press out air before sealing; overstuffing creates leaks in the fryer.
Planning, storage, and serving
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate cooked tacos within 2 hours and use within 3 days. Reheat on a rack in a 400°F oven or air fryer until crisp and steaming; refrigerate avocado sauce separately and use within 2 days.
Make-ahead tips
Prepare and chill the filling up to 2 days ahead. Assemble tacos up to 4 hours before frying, cover with a barely damp towel, and refrigerate so the tortillas do not dry out.
What to serve with it
- - Shredded lettuce and fresh salsa
- - Roasted corn salad
- - Pickled jalapeños and lime wedges
Equipment needed
- - Heavy pot with lid
- - Frying thermometer
- - Blender or food processor
Difficulty explained
The filling is easy, but warming, filling, sealing, and frying two dozen small tortillas without cracking or leaking requires careful batch work.
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Nutrition facts
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Alternatives
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Plain Greek yogurt
Use an equal amount of full-fat plain Greek yogurt.
1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour
Use a commercial cup-for-cup blend that includes xanthan gum.
Ground turkey
Use an equal weight of 85-93% lean ground turkey.
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Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Cool, stiff tortillas split at the fold, so warm small batches and keep the rest covered.
- Wet or excessive filling prevents a tight seal and can splatter dangerously when it escapes into oil.
- Never add water to an oil fire or leave the pot unattended; cover it with a lid and turn off the heat.
Nutrition Context
- The small tacos combine protein from beef and beans with a fried corn shell; portion size matters because they are easy to eat quickly.
- Avocado supplies unsaturated fat, while baking rather than frying reduces absorbed oil at the cost of a different texture.
FAQ
Why are my tortillas cracking?
They are too cool or dry. Steam them under a damp towel until flexible and fill them while still warm.
Can I assemble Tiny Tacos ahead?
Yes, for several hours. Keep them covered and refrigerated, then check that every seam remains closed before frying.
Can I air fry them?
Brush both sides with oil and air fry at 390°F in a single layer, turning once, until crisp and hot through.
Why make the filling nearly smooth?
A fine filling stays inside the small shell, distributes evenly, and matches the compact texture of the restaurant-style snack.
How do I keep the avocado sauce green?
Press plastic or reusable wrap directly against the surface and refrigerate; lime slows browning, but the sauce is best within 2 days.
What sides pair best with this dish?
Good pairings include Shredded lettuce and fresh salsa; Roasted corn salad; Pickled jalapeños and lime wedges. Choose one or two based on how substantial you want the meal to be.