Ground Beef Baked Tacos are a fun and easy way to enjoy taco night! With seasoned ground beef stuffed into crunchy taco shells and topped with cheese, they’re sure to please everyone.
What’s great is how simple they are to make! Just bake them in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly—yum! Pair them with some salsa for a tasty treat, and hold on tight; they might disappear fast! 🌮✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for healthier options, try ground turkey or chicken. For a plant-based choice, crumbled tofu or lentils can work well, adding flavor with the right spices.
Onion: I recommend yellow onion for its sweetness. If you prefer a stronger flavor, red onion is a great choice. You can also use minced shallots if they’re on hand to add a delicate taste.
Spices: Chili powder and cumin bring warmth to the dish; if you want to kick it up a notch, use cayenne pepper. Substituting smoked paprika instead of regular adds a nice depth of flavor. If you’re short on spices, a taco seasoning mix is a handy substitute!
Salsa: For a fresh twist, use homemade salsa or pico de gallo. If you like it mild, choose a mild salsa; for heat, opt for medium or hot versions. If you’re out of salsa, canned diced tomatoes with some added spices will also work.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice here, but Monterey Jack is a fantastic alternative if you like a creamier texture. For a dairy-free option, you can find plant-based cheese that melts well.
How Do I Make Sure My Tacos Don’t Get Soggy?
To achieve perfectly crispy tacos without sogginess, the layering is crucial. The beef mixture can make the tortillas damp if not done right. Here’s how to prep:
- Cook the beef mixture until it’s not too saucy. Let any excess moisture cook off.
- Use both sides of the tortillas wisely! Lay half flat, spoon filling, sprinkle cheese, and top with another tortilla.
- Bake the tacos until they’re golden brown. This helps to crisp up the tortillas and seals the filling inside.
Be sure to let them cool a bit after baking; this will help them set and avoid sogginess when you serve them.
How to Make Ground Beef Baked Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup salsa
For the Tacos:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For Serving:
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños or diced tomatoes (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 20 minutes to cook, for a total of around 30 minutes. You’ll enjoy delicious baked tacos that are sure to be a hit!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important so that your tacos bake evenly and get nice and crispy!
2. Cook the Beef:
Take a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add in the ground beef and cook it until it starts to brown, which should take about 5 minutes. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks.
3. Add Aromatics:
Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic into the skillet with the beef. Cook everything together until the onion turns translucent, which will take about 3-4 minutes. This brings out the flavors!
4. Spice It Up:
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes. This will allow the spices to release their wonderful aroma and flavor.
5. Mix in Salsa:
Add the salsa to the beef mixture. Stir everything together until well combined and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. Then, remove the skillet from the heat.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, lay half of the tortillas flat. Spoon a portion of the beef mixture evenly onto each tortilla. Make sure to distribute it well so every bite is tasty!
7. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle a portion of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture on each taco. Cheese makes everything better, doesn’t it?
8. Fold the Tacos:
Take the remaining tortillas and place them on top, creating a taco shape. Press down gently to ensure they hold together nicely.
9. Bake the Tacos:
Sprinkle any remaining cheese on top of the folded tacos for an extra cheesy finish. Then, bake them in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and lightly golden.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done baking, remove the tacos from the oven and let them cool slightly. This is the hardest part—waiting to dig in!
11. Enjoy!
Serve the baked tacos with a side of sour cream. You can also garnish with sliced jalapeños or diced tomatoes and fresh cilantro if you like. Enjoy your delicious homemade baked tacos!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a great substitute for beef. Just keep in mind that poultry has a lighter flavor, so you might want to enhance the spices a little to ensure a flavorful dish. Cook it until fully browned and follow the recipe as usual!
How Can I Make These Tacos Vegetarian?
To make these tacos vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with a mix of beans or lentils. You can use black beans, pinto beans, or even a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or tempeh. Season it similarly with the spices, and you’re good to go!
Can I Prepare the Beef Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture up to 2 days in advance! Just cook the mixture, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, simply reheat it before assembling your tacos.
How Should I Store Leftover Baked Tacos?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness. You can also microwave them, but they may lose their crunch.
