These Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos are packed with flavorful, seasoned beef, melty cheese, and a perfectly crunchy shell. Baking the tacos instead of frying makes them a healthier, hands-off option while still delivering restaurant-quality crispiness. Perfect for taco night, game days, or a quick and easy family meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy & Flavorful – The perfect balance of crunch and juicy, seasoned beef.
Healthier Alternative – No frying, just baked to perfection.
Easy & Quick – Simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes.
Great for Meal Prep – Make ahead and reheat easily.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (or 2 tbsp) taco seasoning
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Toppings (Optional):
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush (for oil)
How to Make Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in garlic, taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and water. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
Step 2: Assemble the Tacos
- Brush both sides of each tortilla lightly with olive oil.
- Spread a spoonful of beef mixture onto one side of each tortilla. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and fold in half.
- Arrange the tacos on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they stay folded.
Step 3: Bake Until Crispy
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the tacos cool slightly, then serve with your favorite toppings!
What to Serve with These Tacos
Refried Beans or Spanish Rice – A classic pairing.
Homemade Guacamole – Adds a creamy contrast.
Simple Side Salad – Light and refreshing.
Spicy Salsa or Queso Dip – For extra flavor!
Tips for Success
Prevent Breaking – Warm the tortillas before assembling to make them more pliable.
Extra Crispy – Broil for the last 1-2 minutes for a golden finish.
Make it Spicy – Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder to the beef.
Cheese Lover’s Tip – Sprinkle a little extra cheese on the outside of the tacos before baking for a cheesy crust.
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes or air fry for crispiness.
- Freeze: Freeze assembled (unbaked) tacos and bake straight from frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes! Flour tortillas will still crisp up but will be softer than corn.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?
Absolutely! Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
How do I make these tacos vegetarian?
Use seasoned black beans or lentils instead of beef.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutritional Information (Per Taco):
Calories: 180 | Protein: 9g | Carbohydrates: 14g | Fat: 10g | Sodium: 280mg
These Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos are a game-changer—easy, delicious, and perfectly crunchy. Serve them up for your next taco night and watch them disappear!
Print
Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Description
These Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos are packed with flavorful, seasoned beef, melty cheese, and a perfectly crunchy shell. Baking the tacos instead of frying makes them a healthier, hands-off option while still delivering restaurant-quality crispiness. Perfect for taco night, game days, or a quick and easy family meal!
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Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (or 2 tbsp) taco seasoning
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Toppings (Optional):
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in garlic, taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and water. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
Step 2: Assemble the Tacos
- Brush both sides of each tortilla lightly with olive oil.
- Spread a spoonful of beef mixture onto one side of each tortilla. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and fold in half.
- Arrange the tacos on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they stay folded.
Step 3: Bake Until Crispy
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the tacos cool slightly, then serve with your favorite toppings!
Notes
Prevent Breaking – Warm the tortillas before assembling to make them more pliable.
Extra Crispy – Broil for the last 1-2 minutes for a golden finish.
Make it Spicy – Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder to the beef.
Cheese Lover’s Tip – Sprinkle a little extra cheese on the outside of the tacos before baking for a cheesy crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
