There’s nothing better than Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos for an easy, flavor-packed meal! These tacos are baked to golden perfection, giving you that satisfying crunch without deep frying. Perfect for taco nights, parties, or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to be a family favorite!
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Why You’ll Love These Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos
✔ Healthier Option – Baked instead of fried for less grease but all the crunch.
✔ Packed with Flavor – A seasoned ground beef filling with just the right spices.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
✔ Customizable – Load them up with your favorite toppings!
Ingredients for Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos
To make these delicious tacos, you’ll need:
- 10 small corn tortillas – Perfect for crispy tacos.
- 1 lb ground beef – Lean ground beef for the best texture.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil – For cooking the beef.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds flavor and texture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – For a deep, savory taste.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder – Adds a mild kick.
- ½ teaspoon cumin – Brings a warm, earthy flavor.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – For a hint of smokiness.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a bit of heat.
- ½ cup tomato sauce – For a saucy, flavorful filling.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix) – Melts beautifully inside the tacos.
- Cooking spray or a little melted butter – To crisp up the tacos in the oven.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet – For cooking the beef.
- Baking sheet – To bake the tacos.
- Parchment paper – Prevents sticking.
- Tongs – For flipping the tacos if needed.
How to Make Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned (about 5-6 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to make them pliable.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto one side of each tortilla.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the beef.
- Fold the tortillas in half, pressing gently to seal.
Step 4: Bake the Tacos
- Place the tacos on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray or brush the tops with cooking spray or melted butter for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite toppings!
Best Toppings for Baked Tacos
- Shredded lettuce – Adds crunch.
- Diced tomatoes – For a fresh, juicy bite.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt – A cool, creamy contrast.
- Sliced avocado or guacamole – For extra richness.
- Salsa or hot sauce – To spice things up.
- Chopped cilantro – For a fresh, herby finish.
Tips for the Best Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos
✔ Don’t Overfill – Too much filling can make the tacos fall apart.
✔ Use Corn Tortillas – They crisp up better than flour tortillas.
✔ Warm the Tortillas First – Prevents them from cracking when folded.
✔ Make Them Extra Crispy – Brush with a little melted butter before baking.
✔ Customize the Filling – Add black beans, refried beans, or sautéed peppers for variety.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftover tacos in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
- Freezer: Freeze assembled (but unbaked) tacos in a single layer, then store in a ziplock bag for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
A: Yes, but they won’t be as crispy. If using flour tortillas, bake for a couple of extra minutes.
Q2: Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the tacos and store them in the fridge until ready to bake.
Q3: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Swap the beef for black beans, lentils, or a meat substitute.
Conclusion: A Taco Night Favorite!
These Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos are everything you want in a taco—crunchy, cheesy, and full of bold flavor. They’re easy to make, healthier than frying, and completely customizable. Perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to game nights!
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest! We love seeing your taco creations.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Mexican
Nutritional Information (per taco)
Calories: 180
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 2g
Enjoy every crispy, flavorful bite, and happy taco night!
Print
Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
There’s nothing better than Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos for an easy, flavor-packed meal! These tacos are baked to golden perfection, giving you that satisfying crunch without deep frying. Perfect for taco nights, parties, or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to be a family favorite!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!
Ingredients
- 10 small corn tortillas – Perfect for crispy tacos.
- 1 lb ground beef – Lean ground beef for the best texture.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil – For cooking the beef.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds flavor and texture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – For a deep, savory taste.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder – Adds a mild kick.
- ½ teaspoon cumin – Brings a warm, earthy flavor.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – For a hint of smokiness.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a bit of heat.
- ½ cup tomato sauce – For a saucy, flavorful filling.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix) – Melts beautifully inside the tacos.
- Cooking spray or a little melted butter – To crisp up the tacos in the oven.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned (about 5-6 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to make them pliable.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto one side of each tortilla.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the beef.
- Fold the tortillas in half, pressing gently to seal.
Step 4: Bake the Tacos
- Place the tacos on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray or brush the tops with cooking spray or melted butter for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite toppings!
Notes
✔ Don’t Overfill – Too much filling can make the tacos fall apart.
✔ Use Corn Tortillas – They crisp up better than flour tortillas.
✔ Warm the Tortillas First – Prevents them from cracking when folded.
✔ Make Them Extra Crispy – Brush with a little melted butter before baking.
✔ Customize the Filling – Add black beans, refried beans, or sautéed peppers for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Mexican
