Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos are the ultimate comfort food that brings the joy of traditional Mexican flavors to your home kitchen. They strike the perfect balance between crispy and cheesy, making them a crowd favorite at both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings. The juicy ground beef, seasoned to perfection with taco seasoning and immersed in creamy enchilada sauce, is enveloped by warm corn tortillas and topped with melted cheese. They not only deliver on taste but also keep things simple: a handful of ingredients come together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy families.

Whether you’re serving them up for Taco Tuesday or simply craving a delicious bite, these tacos pack an exotic punch without the need for fancy cooking techniques. Plus, customizing these tacos to cater to your family’s palate is a breeze; from different protein alternatives to an array of delicious toppings, there’s a lot you can do to personalize each bite. These crispy baked tacos are sure to become a staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos

Flavorful Filling: The combination of seasoned ground beef and rich enchilada sauce creates a bold taste profile.
Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward and quick, making it ideal for weeknight cooking.
Crispy Texture: The baking method ensures a delightful crunch while keeping the filling tender and juicy.
Customizable: Easily swap out ingredients or add toppings to suit everyone’s taste preferences.
Meal Prep Friendly: These tacos can be assembled ahead of time and stored for easy reheating.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this delectable taco recipe, setting up your kitchen efficiently will streamline your cooking process. Start by gathering all your ingredients: ground beef, taco seasoning, red enchilada sauce, cheese, corn tortillas, and olive oil. Ensure you have a good-quality skillet for browning the beef, a microwave for softening the tortillas, and a baking sheet for the final cooking stage.

To create a great assembly line, chiffonade your cheese ahead, having it ready for quick layering. Preheat your oven to 450°F so it’s good and hot when your tacos are ready to go in. Having everything organized will not only save you time but also make the cooking experience more enjoyable.

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 packet taco seasoning
¾ cup red enchilada sauce
2½ cups shredded Oaxaca or Mexican cheese blend
10 corn tortillas
1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Begin by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the hot skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Continue to stir until the beef is browned all the way through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess grease that may be in the pan. Next, stir in the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce into the skillet, mixing thoroughly to ensure the meat is well-coated. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to evolve together. After this, remove from the heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas

While the beef is cooling, it’s time to prep the tortillas. Wrap them in a damp paper towel and place them in the microwave. Heat for approximately 30-60 seconds until they become soft and pliable; this will prevent them from cracking while you fill them. Once warmed, use a brush to apply olive oil to one side of each tortilla – this will help achieve that refreshing golden crisp when baked.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

Now comes the fun part – assembling your tacos! Place the tortillas on a baking sheet, with the oiled side facing down. On one half of each tortilla, sprinkle some cheese, followed by a generous portion of the seasoned beef mixture. Top off with an additional sprinkle of cheese for that glorious melty finish. Carefully fold each tortilla over to seal in the delicious filling, making sure they are closed tightly.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy

Pre-bake, now it’s time to place your assembled tacos in the preheated oven. Bake them at 450°F for 16 minutes. If you prefer extra crispy edges, consider flipping them halfway through for even baking. You’ll know they are done as they should come out golden brown with melted cheese oozing from the sides. Allow them to cool for about 2-3 minutes before serving, which also lets the fillings set slightly for easier handling.

Variations

Protein: Swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter alternative.
Vegetables: Incorporate black beans, corn, or bell peppers into the filling for added texture and nutrition.
Spices: Experiment by adding fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or other seasonings to enhance flavor.

Cooking Notes

If using flour tortillas, reduce baking time by 4-6 minutes and ensure they are well-oiled to prevent sticking.
For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking.
Feel free to adjust seasoning levels based on personal preference for spice and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your crispy tacos with fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, or melted queso for dipping.
Pair them with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans to create a complete meal.

Tips

Be wary of over-filling; it can make the tacos difficult to fold and they may spill out during baking.
Warm tortillas individually can improve flexibility while keeping them intact during assembly.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 200 calories per taco
Protein: 15 grams
Sodium: 450 mg

FAQs

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the assembly stage ahead of time and place unbaked tacos in the freezer, baking them directly from frozen when needed.

What can I do with leftovers?

Leftover tacos can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or an air fryer to regain their crispiness.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Definitely! Adding vegetables like black beans or corn will enhance the flavor and add more nutrients.

How can I make these vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, simply use black beans or lentils instead of ground beef and keep the rest of the recipe the same.

Conclusion

Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos are not only a delightful meal but an easy and fun way to gather family and friends around the table. They offer an array of flavors, textures, and the chance for everyone to customize their own creation. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe makes it easy to whip up these amazing tacos in no time. Once you try these crispy delights, you’ll be inspired to share your own variations and serve them regularly! Don’t forget to let us know how your tacos turned out in the comments below!