These crispy baked ground beef tacos are a fun and delicious way to enjoy your favorite taco fillings, without the frying! The beef is seasoned to perfection and baked inside crunchy taco shells, making them easy to prepare and perfect for a family-friendly dinner or Taco Tuesday.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Delicious – Get all the crunch of fried tacos without the mess or extra calories.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable – Add your favorite toppings, like cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa.
- Family-Friendly – A simple recipe the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
- 1/2 cup water
- 10-12 hard taco shells
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, jalapeños
Tools You’ll Need
- Skillet
- Baking sheet
- Spoon for scooping taco filling
- Oven
How to Make Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up into crumbles, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Add Seasoning
Add the taco seasoning and water to the beef mixture, and stir until well combined. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the seasoning has been absorbed.
Step 4: Prepare the Taco Shells
While the beef is simmering, arrange your taco shells on a baking sheet. Once the beef is ready, spoon the mixture evenly into each taco shell.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Top the taco filling with a generous amount of shredded cheese.
Step 6: Bake the Tacos
Place the filled taco shells in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shells are crispy and the cheese has melted.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
Remove from the oven and let the tacos cool for a minute. Serve with your favorite toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, or a dollop of sour cream.
What to Serve With Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos
- Mexican Rice – A perfect side dish to complete your taco night.
- Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans complement the tacos well.
- Guacamole and Chips – For a tasty appetizer or side dish.
- Corn on the Cob – A simple and sweet side to go with your tacos.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overfill the Tacos – Be sure not to overstuff the taco shells to prevent them from breaking while baking.
- Customize Your Toppings – Use whatever toppings you love to make the tacos your own.
- Baking Time – If you prefer extra-crunchy taco shells, bake for a few extra minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerate – Store leftover taco filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat – Warm the beef filling in a skillet or microwave, then refill taco shells when ready to serve.
- Freezing – You can freeze the taco filling for up to 2 months. Reheat before assembling the tacos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these with ground turkey or chicken? Yes, ground turkey or chicken works great as a substitute for ground beef. Just make sure to season them well for flavor.
Can I use soft tortillas instead of taco shells? Yes! You can use soft tortillas and bake them in a taco stand for a similar result.
Can I make these tacos vegetarian? Absolutely! Use a plant-based protein or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms instead of beef.
Conclusion
These crispy baked ground beef tacos are a healthier, easier version of your favorite Mexican dish. With perfectly seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cuisine: Mexican
Nutritional Information (Per Taco):
Calories: 210 | Protein: 15g | Carbohydrates: 15g | Fat: 11g | Sodium: 360mg
Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos
- Total Time: 0 hours
Description
These crispy baked ground beef tacos are a fun and delicious way to enjoy your favorite taco fillings, without the frying! The beef is seasoned to perfection and baked inside crunchy taco shells, making them easy to prepare and perfect for a family-friendly dinner or Taco Tuesday.
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Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
- 1/2 cup water
- 10–12 hard taco shells
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, jalapeños
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up into crumbles, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add the taco seasoning and water to the beef mixture, and stir until well combined. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the seasoning has been absorbed.
While the beef is simmering, arrange your taco shells on a baking sheet. Once the beef is ready, spoon the mixture evenly into each taco shell.
Top the taco filling with a generous amount of shredded cheese.
Place the filled taco shells in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shells are crispy and the cheese has melted.
Remove from the oven and let the tacos cool for a minute. Serve with your favorite toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, or a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
- Don’t Overfill the Tacos – Be sure not to overstuff the taco shells to prevent them from breaking while baking.
- Customize Your Toppings – Use whatever toppings you love to make the tacos your own.
- Baking Time – If you prefer extra-crunchy taco shells, bake for a few extra minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cuisine: Mexican
