These Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos are a healthier, hands-off alternative to frying. With perfectly seasoned ground beef and a crispy taco shell, they’re filled with all your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal the whole family will love!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy & Delicious – The taco shells bake to golden perfection.
Easy to Make – No frying, just baking in the oven for a quick and easy dinner.
Customizable – Add your favorite toppings like cheese, lettuce, salsa, and guacamole.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning mix)
- ½ cup water
- 10–12 taco shells (hard or soft, depending on preference)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- Toppings (optional): lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños
Tools You’ll Need
- Skillet
- Spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
How to Make Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos
Step 1: Cook the Beef
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onions are soft (about 5-7 minutes).
- Drain any excess fat, then add the taco seasoning and water. Stir and simmer for another 5 minutes, until the beef mixture thickens.
Step 2: Prepare the Taco Shells
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Place your taco shells on the sheet, standing up if possible, to help them bake evenly.
Step 3: Fill the Tacos
- Spoon the beef mixture into each taco shell, filling them generously.
Step 4: Bake
- Place the filled taco shells in the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the taco shells are crispy and the filling is hot.
- In the last 2 minutes of baking, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the beef mixture and continue baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Remove the tacos from the oven and top with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
What to Serve with These Crispy Tacos
Mexican Rice – A classic side dish that pairs perfectly with tacos.
Refried Beans – Serve alongside for an extra savory side.
Guacamole – A fresh and creamy addition.
Mexican Street Corn – For a tasty side that adds color and flavor.
Tips for Success
Don’t Overfill – Avoid overstuffing the tacos to ensure they bake evenly.
Stand Them Up – Arrange taco shells standing up on the baking sheet for crispy edges.
Use Lean Ground Beef – Lean beef will create a less greasy filling.
Customize the Spice – Add extra spices like cumin, chili powder, or cayenne pepper for a bolder flavor.
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftover tacos in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days.
- Reheat: To keep the shells crispy, reheat the tacos in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives to ground beef and work perfectly in this recipe.
Can I freeze these tacos?
Yes! Assemble the tacos, then wrap them in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes.
Can I make them vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground beef with refried beans or seasoned vegetables for a vegetarian option.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutritional Information (Per Taco):
Calories: 200 | Protein: 12g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 10g | Sodium: 400mg
These Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos are a perfect family-friendly dinner that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Try them out for your next taco night!
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Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Description
These Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos are a healthier, hands-off alternative to frying. With perfectly seasoned ground beef and a crispy taco shell, they’re filled with all your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal the whole family will love!
Love good food? Subscribe to our newsletter and get this recipe, plus more tasty surprises, sent straight to you!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning mix)
- ½ cup water
- 10–12 taco shells (hard or soft, depending on preference)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- Toppings (optional): lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onions are soft (about 5-7 minutes).
- Drain any excess fat, then add the taco seasoning and water. Stir and simmer for another 5 minutes, until the beef mixture thickens.
Step 2: Prepare the Taco Shells
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Place your taco shells on the sheet, standing up if possible, to help them bake evenly.
Step 3: Fill the Tacos
- Spoon the beef mixture into each taco shell, filling them generously.
Step 4: Bake
- Place the filled taco shells in the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the taco shells are crispy and the filling is hot.
- In the last 2 minutes of baking, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the beef mixture and continue baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Remove the tacos from the oven and top with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Notes
Don’t Overfill – Avoid overstuffing the tacos to ensure they bake evenly.
✔ Stand Them Up – Arrange taco shells standing up on the baking sheet for crispy edges.
✔ Use Lean Ground Beef – Lean beef will create a less greasy filling.
✔ Customize the Spice – Add extra spices like cumin, chili powder, or cayenne pepper for a bolder flavor.
