Ground Beef Baked Tacos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ground Beef Baked Tacos combine all the best elements of a taco: savory seasoned beef, melted cheese, and a crispy shell. The unique twist of baking the tacos allows the cheese to melt beautifully while keeping the taco shells crispy and sturdy enough to hold the delicious filling. This recipe is not only easy and quick to prepare, but it also offers endless customization possibilities. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or for a taco bar at a party, it’s a crowd-pleasing option that’s packed with flavor and texture.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 2 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper powder

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp water

• 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

• 12 street taco size white corn tortillas (about 5.5” in diameter)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper powder.

3. In a separate bowl, mix tomato paste and water together, setting aside.

4. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking the meat into crumbles as it browns.

5. Reduce heat to medium-low, then add the spice mixture and the tomato paste and water to the beef. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked.

6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay 6 corn taco shells on the sheet. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.

7. Add about 2 tbsp of the taco meat mixture to each shell.

8. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 3 minutes.

9. Remove the tacos from the oven and fold them in half. Press down lightly to ensure they stay folded.

10. Return the tacos to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

11. Repeat steps 7-10 for the remaining 6 tacos.

12. Allow the tacos to cool slightly before adding your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings (3 tacos per person)

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Meat Substitute: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein for a lighter or vegetarian option.

• Cheese Options: Use different cheese blends such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack for added flavor.

• Taco Shells: For a different texture, use flour tortillas or soft corn tortillas instead of the crunchy shells.

• Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce on top for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: To store leftovers, place the tacos in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Allow tacos to cool completely, then wrap them in foil in sets of three. Place in an airtight freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

• Reheating from Frozen:

  • For crispy shells, open the foil packet and bake at 250°F (121°C) for 15 minutes in the oven or toaster oven.

  • For soft shells, microwave on a plate covered with a wet paper towel for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

How do I make the tacos crispy?

To achieve crispy tacos, bake them in the oven until the cheese is melted and the taco shells become golden brown. Be sure to fold them halfway through the baking process to maintain the crispiness.

Can I use a different type of meat for these tacos?

Yes! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like textured vegetable protein (TVP) for a plant-based alternative.

How long do these tacos stay fresh in the fridge?

You can store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to add fresh toppings when reheating!

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

You can prepare the ground beef and taco shells ahead of time, but it’s best to bake the tacos just before serving to ensure the shells stay crispy.

What toppings can I add to these baked tacos?

Feel free to add any toppings you like, such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped onions, shredded lettuce, or cilantro.

Can I freeze these baked tacos?

Yes, these tacos freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap in foil in sets of three and freeze for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat frozen tacos?

For crispy shells, bake frozen tacos at 250°F (121°C) for about 15 minutes. For soft shells, microwave them on a plate with a wet paper towel for 2-3 minutes.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, flour tortillas will work fine. However, corn tortillas offer a more authentic texture and flavor for tacos.

How spicy are these tacos?

These tacos have a mild spice due to the chili powder and cayenne pepper. Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your spice preferences.

Can I make the beef filling spicier?

Yes, you can increase the cayenne pepper or add sliced jalapeños for a spicier filling. You can also use a spicy salsa or hot sauce as a topping.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Baked Tacos are an easy and flavorful meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With minimal prep time and a quick cook time, they are perfect for busy nights or casual get-togethers. Customize them with your favorite toppings and enjoy this tasty twist on traditional tacos!