Ground beef baked tacos are a fun and tasty meal! Imagine crispy taco shells filled with juicy, seasoned beef, topped with gooey cheese and your favorite toppings.
These tacos are a hit at any dinner table! I love how easy they are to make—just assemble, bake, and enjoy. Plus, who doesn’t love a taco night? 🌮😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the dish, giving it rich flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or black beans instead.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas add a nice crunch, but flour tortillas are softer and perfect if that’s what you prefer. You could also use taco shells if you want even more crunch.
Taco Seasoning: A packet of taco seasoning is super convenient, but making your own is easy. Just mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of salt. Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste!
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but a Mexican blend or pepper jack will add a nice kick. If you’re cutting back on dairy, try a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Cilantro: This adds a fresh touch, but if you’re not a fan of cilantro, green onions or parsley work fine, too.
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Tortillas in My Baked Tacos?
Getting that perfect crunch is essential for a great taco experience. Here’s how to achieve crispy tortillas:
- Use a mixture of corn and flour tortillas for different textures. Make sure they’re fresh for the best results.
- Before layering, lightly brush or spray the tortillas with oil. This helps them crisp up in the oven.
- Layer them correctly: start with a tortilla, add the beef mixture, then top with another tortilla and repeat. This method helps prevent sogginess.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give each taco space to crisp up properly.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; once the cheese is melted and the tortillas have a golden color, they’re ready!
How to Make Ground Beef Baked Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/2 cup water
For Assembling the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For Serving:
- Sour cream and salsa (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Sauté:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
2. Cook the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it into small pieces as it cooks. Keep stirring until the beef is browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s nicely cooked, stir in the taco seasoning and water, mixing everything well. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
3. Build Your Tacos:
Now, spread out four tortillas on a baking sheet. Carefully spoon half of the beef mixture onto each tortilla, making sure to cover them evenly. Top with some diced tomatoes and a sprinkle of cheese. Take the remaining four tortillas and place them on top of the beef mixture. Spread the rest of the beef mixture over these tortillas and add more cheese and diced tomatoes if you like!
4. Bake and Serve:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is all melted and bubbly, and the tortillas are crispy. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro, then cut the tacos into wedges and enjoy with sour cream and salsa on the side!
Enjoy your delicious homemade Ground Beef Baked Tacos!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Just follow the same cooking times and steps. Keep in mind that poultry may result in a slightly different flavor profile, so you might want to adjust the seasoning to taste.
Can I Make These Tacos Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can easily make gluten-free baked tacos! Simply use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Also, double-check that your taco seasoning is gluten-free, or opt for homemade seasoning using gluten-free spices.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which helps maintain the crispiness of the tortillas. Alternatively, a microwave can be used, but they may become a bit soft.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture and assemble the tacos in advance. Just cover them tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven and pop them in, extending the baking time by a few minutes if they’re going in cold from the fridge.
