Crispy Ground Beef Tacos

Featured in Delicious Main Course Recipes for Every Occasion.

Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are a family-friendly weeknight dinner that’s ready in just 35 minutes. Made with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and corn tortillas, these tacos are baked until crispy and golden. Serve them with salsa, queso, or guacamole for dipping. Warm tortillas before folding to prevent cracking, and bake directly on a nonstick or ceramic sheet pan for the best results. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that everyone will love!
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Updated on Fri, 28 Feb 2025 17:03:41 GMT
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Crispy Baked Beef Tacos transform everyday ingredients into a crowd-pleasing feast that delivers restaurant-quality crunch without the mess of frying. These golden half-moons feature perfectly seasoned ground beef and molten cheese encased in corn tortillas that crisp beautifully in the oven. The simplicity of preparation belies the impressive results – each bite offers the perfect contrast between the crispy exterior and savory, cheesy filling.

Last taco night, my nephew who typically leaves the edges of his tortillas uneaten devoured every crispy bite and asked for seconds. The empty baking sheet told the whole story about their universal appeal.

Essential Elements

  • Lean ground beef: Provides flavorful protein without excess grease
  • Quality taco seasoning: Creates authentic Mexican flavor profile
  • Enchilada sauce: Adds moisture and depth to the filling
  • Oaxaca cheese: Melts beautifully for the perfect cheese pull
  • Corn tortillas: Crisp up perfectly in the oven
  • Strategic oiling: Ensures golden, crunchy exterior
  • High-temperature baking: Creates the perfect crispness
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Creating Perfect Tacos

Beef Preparation:
Season thoroughly and simmer briefly with sauce. This creates the perfect moisture balance.
Tortilla Handling:
Warm thoroughly before filling to prevent cracking. This crucial step ensures perfect folding.
Assembly Technique:
Place oiled-side down and distribute filling evenly. Create cheese barriers to seal in meat.
Baking Strategy:
Use high heat for optimal crisping. Watch carefully near the end for perfect golden color.

My grandmother always said, "The best tacos are the ones that keep their filling inside and their crunch intact." This recipe honors that wisdom perfectly.

Perfect Pairings

Serve these crispy tacos with a variety of dipping options like fresh pico de gallo, creamy guacamole, or tangy sour cream. A simple side of Mexican rice and refried beans creates a complete meal, while a crisp cabbage slaw provides refreshing contrast.

Creative Variations

Experiment with different proteins like shredded chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based crumbles. Try adding black beans or corn to the filling for extra texture, or incorporate diced green chiles for heat.

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Storage Success

While best enjoyed immediately, leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days and reheated in a 350°F oven to restore crispness. For make-ahead convenience, freeze assembled but unbaked tacos and bake directly from frozen when needed.

After perfecting this recipe through countless taco nights, I've found that success lies in the details - the thorough warming of the tortillas, the proper placement oil-side down, and the high-temperature baking that creates that perfect crunch. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or entertaining friends, these Crispy Baked Beef Tacos deliver satisfaction in every crunchy, cheesy bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, but corn tortillas are recommended for a crispier texture.
→ Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the tacos and refrigerate them unbaked. Bake when ready to serve.
→ What can I use instead of Oaxaca cheese?
Mexican cheese blend, Monterey Jack, or cheddar work well.
→ Can I make these tacos spicier?
Yes, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Crispy Ground Beef Tacos

Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. Made with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and corn tortillas, they’re ready in 35 minutes!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 5 Servings (10 tacos)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Taco Filling

01 1 pound lean ground beef (90%)
02 1 packet taco seasoning
03 ¾ cup red enchilada sauce

→ Taco Assembly

04 2 ½ cups Oaxaca cheese (or Mexican cheese or Monterey Jack)
05 10 corn tortillas
06 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).

Step 02

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat.

Step 03

Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30–60 seconds until pliable.

Step 04

Brush one side of each tortilla with olive oil. Place the tortilla on a baking sheet, oiled side down. Add 2 tablespoons of cheese to half of the tortilla, top with ¼ cup of beef, then add 2 more tablespoons of cheese. Fold the tortilla over the filling.

Step 05

Arrange the tacos in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 16 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted.

Step 06

Let the tacos cool for 3 minutes before serving. Serve with salsa, queso, or guacamole for dipping.

Notes

  1. Warm tortillas before folding to prevent cracking. Use a toothpick to secure them if needed.
  2. Bake directly on a nonstick or ceramic sheet pan. Avoid foil, as the tortillas may stick.

Tools You'll Need

  • Skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Microwave
  • Brush (for olive oil)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese)
  • Gluten (if taco seasoning contains gluten)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 524
  • Total Fat: 30 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 36 g