Get ready for a game-changing taco night with these Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos! They’re packed with seasoned beef, melty cheese, and wrapped in golden, crunchy taco shells—all baked to perfection. Quick, easy, and way less messy than frying, this recipe is perfect for a fun family dinner or a casual get-together.
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Why You’ll Love These Crispy Baked Tacos
- Crispy & Mess-Free: Baking gives you that perfect crunch without deep frying.
- Bold & Flavorful: Seasoned beef and gooey cheese make every bite irresistible.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—great for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings to make them your own.
Ingredients for Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos
- 1 lb ground beef – The hearty base of your taco filling.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing.
- ½ small onion, diced – Adds a sweet, savory depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – For a garlicky kick.
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning – Store-bought or homemade.
- ½ teaspoon salt – To enhance flavors.
- ½ cup tomato sauce – Adds richness and moisture.
- ½ cup beef broth or water – Helps blend the flavors.
- 10-12 crunchy taco shells – Stand-and-fill shells work best.
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend – For that melty, cheesy goodness.
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Avocado or guacamole
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet – For cooking the beef.
- Baking sheet – To bake the tacos.
- Mixing spoon – For stirring the filling.
How to Make Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until soft (2-3 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
- Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in taco seasoning, salt, tomato sauce, and broth. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 2: Assemble the Tacos
- Arrange taco shells upright on a baking sheet. If they don’t stand on their own, use crumpled foil to keep them in place.
- Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each taco shell.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the beef.
Step 3: Bake the Tacos
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the shells are golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before adding toppings.
Step 4: Add Toppings & Serve
- Top with lettuce, tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream, cilantro, or avocado.
- Serve immediately and enjoy every crunchy, cheesy bite!
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Pair with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh corn salad.
- Dips: Serve with salsa, queso, or guacamole for extra flavor.
- Drink Pairings: Refresh with a chilled mango agua fresca or lime spritzer.
Tips for the Best Baked Tacos
- Use Stand-and-Stuff Taco Shells: They hold their shape better when baking.
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can make the tacos soggy.
- Make Them Spicier: Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce for heat.
- Double the Batch: These reheat well for an easy next-day meal.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftover tacos in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up.
- Freeze: Freeze the beef filling separately for up to 2 months. Thaw and use when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative.
Q2: How do I keep the taco shells from getting soggy?
A: Pre-bake them for 5 minutes before filling to keep them crispier.
Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the beef filling in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Conclusion: The Easiest Crispy Tacos Ever!
These Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos bring all the flavor of classic tacos with an effortless, mess-free twist. They’re crunchy, cheesy, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun gathering. Try them once, and they’ll be on your dinner rotation forever!
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest! We love seeing your culinary creations.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 18g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 460mg
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and flavor-packed tacos, and share them with your loved ones!
Print
Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Get ready for a game-changing taco night with these Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos! They’re packed with seasoned beef, melty cheese, and wrapped in golden, crunchy taco shells—all baked to perfection. Quick, easy, and way less messy than frying, this recipe is perfect for a fun family dinner or a casual get-together.
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef – The hearty base of your taco filling.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing.
- ½ small onion, diced – Adds a sweet, savory depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – For a garlicky kick.
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning – Store-bought or homemade.
- ½ teaspoon salt – To enhance flavors.
- ½ cup tomato sauce – Adds richness and moisture.
- ½ cup beef broth or water – Helps blend the flavors.
- 10–12 crunchy taco shells – Stand-and-fill shells work best.
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend – For that melty, cheesy goodness.
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Avocado or guacamole
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until soft (2-3 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
- Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in taco seasoning, salt, tomato sauce, and broth. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 2: Assemble the Tacos
- Arrange taco shells upright on a baking sheet. If they don’t stand on their own, use crumpled foil to keep them in place.
- Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each taco shell.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the beef.
Step 3: Bake the Tacos
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the shells are golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before adding toppings.
Step 4: Add Toppings & Serve
- Top with lettuce, tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream, cilantro, or avocado.
- Serve immediately and enjoy every crunchy, cheesy bite!
Notes
- Use Stand-and-Stuff Taco Shells: They hold their shape better when baking.
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can make the tacos soggy.
- Make Them Spicier: Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce for heat.
- Double the Batch: These reheat well for an easy next-day meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
