Crunchy Baked Beef Tacos are a delicious and easy way to enjoy crispy, cheesy tacos without frying. Filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, these tacos are baked to perfection, giving you a satisfying crunch in every bite. Perfect for a family dinner, game night, or any time you’re craving a fun and flavorful meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Cheesy – Baking the tacos makes them extra crispy, and the melted cheese holds everything together.
- Less Messy Than Frying – No need to deep-fry; the oven does all the work.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this a great weeknight meal.
- Perfect for Feeding a Crowd – Make a big batch at once for parties or gatherings.
- Customizable – Use different meats, cheeses, and toppings to make them your own.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Small onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Taco seasoning
- Tomato sauce
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- Hard taco shells
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, cilantro
Directions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Beef – In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add Seasoning – Stir in the diced onion, garlic, taco seasoning, and tomato sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Tacos – Arrange the taco shells in a baking dish, standing upright. Fill each shell with a spoonful of the beef mixture and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake – Lightly spray the tops of the tacos with olive oil or cooking spray. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the shells are crispy.
- Add Toppings & Serve – Remove from the oven and top with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and any other desired toppings. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Chicken Tacos – Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken and mix with taco seasoning.
- Vegetarian Option – Use black beans, refried beans, or a meat substitute instead of ground beef.
- Cheesy Twist – Add a layer of cheese inside the taco shells before baking for extra cheesiness.
- Low-Carb Option – Use cheese taco shells or lettuce wraps instead of hard shells.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Bake in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or heat in an air fryer for 2-3 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked beef mixture separately for up to 3 months. Assemble and bake fresh when ready.
FAQs
How do I keep the taco shells from getting soggy?
Baking the tacos with the beef mixture helps crisp up the shells. You can also brush the inside of the shells with a little oil before baking.
Can I use soft tortillas instead of crunchy shells?
Yes! Use small flour or corn tortillas and bake them in a taco holder for a crispy texture.
What’s the best cheese for baked tacos?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend work best for melting.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Can I add beans to the filling?
Absolutely! Black beans, refried beans, or pinto beans make a great addition to the beef mixture.
What are the best toppings for these tacos?
Lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, salsa, and pickled jalapeños are all great options.
How do I make these extra crispy?
Lightly brush the taco shells with oil or spray with cooking spray before baking.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works great with the same seasonings.
What sides go well with crunchy baked tacos?
Mexican rice, black beans, corn salad, or chips with guacamole are perfect pairings.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
Conclusion
Crunchy Baked Beef Tacos are an easy and delicious way to enjoy crispy, cheesy tacos without frying. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering, they are sure to be a hit. Try different toppings and variations to make them your own, and enjoy a taco night with less mess and all the flavor!
Print
Crunchy Baked Beef Tacos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Tacos
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crunchy Baked Beef Tacos are a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy, cheesy tacos without frying. Filled with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and baked to perfection, these tacos are a delicious and mess-free meal. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or entertaining a crowd, these tacos can be customized with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- 12 hard taco shells
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the diced onion, garlic, taco seasoning, and tomato sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Tacos: Arrange the taco shells in a baking dish, standing upright. Fill each shell with a spoonful of the beef mixture and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake: Lightly spray the tops of the tacos with olive oil or cooking spray. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the shells are crispy.
- Add Toppings & Serve: Remove from the oven and top with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and any other desired toppings. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Chicken Tacos: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with black beans, refried beans, or a plant-based alternative.
- Extra Crispy: Lightly brush taco shells with oil before baking.
- Low-Carb: Use cheese taco shells or lettuce wraps.
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