Get ready for an irresistible dinner that will have everyone running to the table—these Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are a weeknight favorite that deliver maximum flavor and crunch with minimal fuss. Think golden, cheese-stuffed shells filled with seasoned beef, all baked to crispy perfection—pure taco bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Crunch: Baking transforms corn tortillas into a golden, crispy shell—no messy frying needed!
- Melty Cheese Goodness: Each taco is loaded with a swoon-worthy amount of gooey Oaxaca (or your favorite) cheese between every bite of savory beef.
- Fast, Family-Friendly Dinner: You can have a whole pan of crispy ground beef tacos on the table in about 35 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
- Customizable & Fun: These tacos are a blank canvas for toppings and sides, making them totally adaptable for picky eaters or adventurous taco fans alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Crispy Ground Beef Tacos is in their simplicity—every ingredient pulls its weight, bringing bold flavor, melty texture, or satisfying crunch. Here’s what goes into each crave-worthy taco:
- Lean ground beef (1 pound, 90%): Lean beef cooks up juicy without being greasy, and serves as the hearty, flavor-packed foundation for the filling.
- Taco seasoning (1 packet): This all-in-one seasoning delivers that nostalgic “taco night” taste—spicy, savory, and a little smoky. Go for your favorite blend.
- Red enchilada sauce (¾ cup): Adds a saucy kick and just enough moisture to tie the beef filling together. It’s the secret to layered flavor.
- Oaxaca cheese (or Mexican blend/Monterey Jack, 2 ½ cups): This cheese melts beautifully and creates a luscious, gooey layer that stretches with every bite. Use what you love!
- Corn tortillas (10): Their earthy flavor and sturdy texture crisp up like a dream in the oven, giving you that classic taco crunch.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A quick brush of oil is the key to oven-fried crispiness, no deep frying required.
Variations
There are endless ways to make these Crispy Ground Beef Tacos your own! Don’t hesitate to experiment with proteins, cheeses, or add-ins—this recipe plays well with whatever you have on hand or however you like it.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a spoonful of chopped pickled jalapeños or a dash of chipotle powder with your ground beef for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap the ground beef for a hearty meatless ground or crumbled tempeh—season and cook exactly the same way.
- Different Cheeses: Try pepper jack for spice, or add a sprinkle of cotija on top after baking for a salty finish.
- Loaded with Veggies: Tuck in a few spoonfuls of sautéed onions, peppers, or black beans for bonus nutrition and flavor.
How to Make Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F. While it heats, set a skillet over medium-high and crumble in your lean ground beef. Cook, breaking it up constantly, until it’s no longer pink—your kitchen will start to smell amazing! Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in the enchilada sauce. Simmer everything together for a couple of minutes so all those flavors meld and the filling becomes saucy.
Step 2: Warm and Oil the Tortillas
To ensure your tortillas bend easily (and don’t crack!), wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30–60 seconds, just until soft. Lay each tortilla flat on a baking sheet and brush one side with olive oil. The oil will help create that signature crunch in the oven—don’t skip it!
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
With the oiled side facing down, sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of cheese on one half of each tortilla. Top with a scoop (¼ cup) of the beef mixture, then follow that up with 2 more tablespoons of cheese. The double layer of cheese is the ticket to ultimate gooeyness. Fold the tortillas over the filling—if they won’t stay closed, secure with a toothpick.
Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Arrange the assembled tacos in a single layer on your baking sheet. Bake for around 16 minutes, or until the tortillas are beautifully browned and crisp and you see some golden, melted cheese escaping the edges. Let the tacos cool for 3 minutes—the cheese will set, making them easier to handle and even crispier!
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
- Tortilla Warming Magic: Wrap tortillas in a slightly damp paper towel before microwaving. This keeps them pliable and helps them fold perfectly without cracking.
- Cheese First, Cheese Last: Layering cheese both under and over the beef creates a seal inside the taco, helping prevent leaks and ramping up the gooey factor.
- Skip the Foil: Bake your tacos directly on a nonstick or ceramic sheet pan. Foil tends to cause tortillas to stick—and peeling them off isn’t fun!
- Don’t Overstuff: Add just the right amount of filling, so your tacos close easily and crisp evenly from edge to edge.
How to Serve Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
Garnishes
The fun of Crispy Ground Beef Tacos is loading them up with your favorite garnishes! Think vibrant chopped cilantro, a shower of fresh lime juice, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream for cool contrast. Don’t forget a splash of hot sauce for those who love a punch of heat.
Side Dishes
Round out your taco night with classic sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a zesty corn salad. For a fresh, lively touch, pair with a crisp green salad tossed in lime vinaigrette or some tangy pickled onions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-worthy spread, arrange the crispy tacos upright in a taco holder and set up a colorful DIY toppings bar—everyone can customize their plate! Or serve tacos “deconstructed” over greens as a crunchy taco salad for something a bit different.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let any extra crispy ground beef tacos cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container layered with parchment or wax paper (to prevent sticking!) and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Want to prep ahead? Assemble the tacos, allow them to cool if baked, then wrap tightly in foil or freezer bags. Store for up to 2 months. When ready, re-crisp in the oven straight from the freezer for a quick, crunchy bite anytime.
Reheating
To bring back their crunch, reheat cold tacos in a 375°F oven or toaster oven for 8–10 minutes. Microwaving will warm them but sacrifice the crispness, so the oven is always your best bet for that signature shell.
FAQs
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Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes! While corn tortillas provide that traditional crunch, flour tortillas can work, too—they’ll be a bit softer and less crispy, but still tasty. Just warm them well so they bend easily, and keep an eye on them while baking since they can brown more quickly.
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What’s the best cheese to use for crispy tacos?
Oaxaca cheese melts beautifully and is authentically Mexican, but Monterey Jack or a shredded Mexican blend are perfect alternatives. The goal is creamy melt and plenty of stretch—feel free to get creative with what you have!
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Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely. The beef and sauce mixture can be made up to 2 days in advance—just keep it refrigerated and reheat gently before assembling your tacos. This makes weeknight dinners even faster!
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My tortillas keep breaking—what am I doing wrong?
If your tortillas are cracking, they’re probably not warm enough before folding. Always microwave them in a damp paper towel to make them soft and pliable. If they’re particularly dry, a splash of water on the towel helps a lot!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about pulling a tray of Crispy Ground Beef Tacos hot from the oven—the sizzle, the smell, the anticipation! Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just yourself (no judgement!), these baked beauties are sure to win hearts and satisfy cravings. Give them a try and get ready to fall in love with taco night all over again!
Print
Crispy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 tacos 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. These tacos are filled with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and enchilada sauce, then baked until crispy. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal!
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90%)
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 3/4 cup red enchilada sauce
Taco Assembly:
- 2 1/2 cups Oaxaca cheese, Mexican cheese, or Monterey Jack
- 10 corn tortillas
- 1 tbs olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Cook Ground Beef: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Mix in the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce. Simmer and then remove from heat.
- Prepare Tortillas: Microwave tortillas wrapped in a damp paper towel for 30–60 seconds. Brush one side with olive oil.
- Assemble Tacos: Place tortillas on a baking sheet, add cheese, beef, more cheese, and fold over. Repeat for all tortillas.
- Bake: Bake the tacos for 16 minutes until crispy and cheese is melted. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Warm Tortillas: Ensure tortillas are warm for easy folding.
- Best Pan Choice: Use a nonstick or ceramic sheet pan for baking to prevent sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
