Print

Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos

crispy baked ground beef tacos - featured image
Print Recipe

These crispy baked ground beef tacos are the ultimate weeknight dinner—savory, cheesy, and packed with flavor, all wrapped in a golden, crunchy shell. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they’re a family favorite that comes together in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce or salsa
  • 1/4 cup beef or chicken broth (optional)
  • 10–12 crunchy taco shells
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack/Mexican blend)
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola or avocado oil, for brushing shells)
  • Shredded lettuce (romaine, iceberg, or mixed greens)
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Salsa or pico de gallo
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Hot sauce
  • Avocado or guacamole

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Arrange 10–12 taco shells upright on the baking sheet. Brush or lightly drizzle the outsides with oil.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil and the diced onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.
  5. Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in tomato sauce (or salsa) and broth (if using). Stir to combine. Lower heat and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste. Remove from heat.
  7. Fill each taco shell with about 2–3 tablespoons of beef mixture. Top with about 2 tablespoons shredded cheese per taco.
  8. Bake filled tacos in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, until cheese is melted and shells are golden and crisp. Cover loosely with foil if tops brown too quickly.
  9. While tacos bake, prepare toppings: shred lettuce, dice tomatoes, slice jalapeños, and prep other desired toppings.
  10. Remove tacos from oven and let cool for 1–2 minutes. Add your favorite toppings and serve immediately.

Notes

Brush taco shells with oil before baking for extra crunch. Don’t overfill tacos to prevent cracking. Prep beef filling ahead for quick assembly. For gluten-free, use certified shells. For vegetarian, substitute cooked lentils or black beans. Store leftovers in an airtight container and re-crisp in the oven. Customize toppings to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked tacos, ground beef tacos, crispy tacos, weeknight dinner, Mexican, easy taco recipe, family dinner, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/crispy-baked-ground-beef-tacos-recipe-easy-weeknight-dinner/