Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos

Introduction

Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos are a crowd-pleasing dish that’s not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. With flavorful ground beef, savory taco seasoning, and melted cheese encased in crispy corn tortillas, these tacos are the perfect combination of comfort food and satisfying crunch. What makes them stand out even more is that they’re baked instead of fried, making them a little lighter but still crispy and full of flavor. The addition of red enchilada sauce adds a rich, tangy element, and the cheese binds everything together for an indulgent treat. Whether you’re hosting taco night, craving a Tex-Mex dinner, or looking for an easy weeknight meal, these crispy tacos are a sure win. Serve them with your favorite toppings and sides, and you’ll have a complete, mouthwatering meal everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy & Flavorful: Baked to perfection, these tacos have a satisfying crunch and are packed with savory beef and melted cheese.
2. Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these tacos in no time, making them perfect for busy nights.
3. No Frying: Baking instead of frying gives you that crispy texture without the extra calories or mess, making cleanup easier.
4. Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like guacamole, salsa, or jalapeños to make these tacos your own.
5. Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, familiar flavors are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike, making this a family-friendly dinner option.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90%)
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• ¾ cup red enchilada sauce
• 2 ½ cups Oaxaca cheese or Mexican cheese or Monterey Jack
• 10 corn tortillas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Variations

• Ground Turkey: For a leaner alternative, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey.
• Spicy Tacos: Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with black beans or refried beans for a vegetarian option.
• Flour Tortillas: If you prefer flour tortillas, you can use them instead of corn, though the texture will be slightly different.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Stir in the taco seasoning and red enchilada sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds until pliable. This will help prevent them from cracking when folded.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Brush one side of each tortilla with olive oil. Place the oiled side down on the baking sheet. Add 2 tablespoons of cheese to half of each tortilla, then top with ¼ cup of the beef mixture. Add 2 more tablespoons of cheese on top of the beef. Fold the tortilla in half to form a taco.

Step 5: Bake the Tacos

Arrange the tacos in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 16 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted. You can flip the tacos halfway through for even crispiness if desired.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the tacos cool for 3 minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite taco toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or chopped cilantro.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Warm Tortillas: Be sure to warm your tortillas before folding them to avoid cracking. If they do crack, you can secure them with a toothpick.
• Use Nonstick Bakeware: For best results, bake the tacos on a nonstick or ceramic baking sheet. Avoid using aluminum foil as it may cause the tortillas to stick.
• Prevent Filling from Oozing: If you find the filling spilling out, reduce the amount of enchilada sauce to about 1/3 cup, and ensure the meat mixture is not too wet.

How to Serve

These crispy baked tacos are delicious on their own or paired with a variety of sides. For a full Tex-Mex meal, serve them with:

• Mexican Rice: A simple and flavorful rice dish that complements the tacos perfectly.
• Poblano Rice: For a bold and unique twist, try pairing the tacos with poblano rice.
• Mexican Fruit Salad: A refreshing side with fresh fruit, chamoy sauce, and Tajín seasoning, offering a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory tacos.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To preserve their crunch, you may want to store the filling and tortillas separately, then reassemble before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze these tacos before baking. Assemble the tacos, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 450°F for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, place the tacos in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-5 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are crispy and the filling is heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and will still be delicious with taco seasoning and enchilada sauce.

2. Can I use flour tortillas?

Flour tortillas can be used, but they may not get as crispy as corn tortillas. You’ll need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

3. How do I prevent the filling from oozing out?

If the filling is too wet, reduce the amount of enchilada sauce or let the beef mixture cool slightly before assembling the tacos.

4. Can I freeze these tacos before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked tacos. Once frozen, bake them directly from the freezer.

5. What cheese can I use if I don’t have Oaxaca cheese?

Mexican cheese blend, Monterey Jack, or even cheddar will work well as substitutes for Oaxaca cheese.

6. Can I make these tacos spicier?

Yes, you can add chopped jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce to the beef mixture for added heat.

7. How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat the tacos in a skillet over medium heat for 2-5 minutes per side until crispy and heated through.

8. Can I add extra vegetables to the filling?

Yes, diced bell peppers, onions, or even corn can be added to the beef mixture for more texture and flavor.

9. How do I keep the tortillas from cracking?

Warm the tortillas before folding them. If they crack, you can secure them with a toothpick while baking.

10. Can I use aluminum pans?

Yes, you can use aluminum pans, but be sure to line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You may need to bake the tacos a bit longer.

Conclusion

Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos are the ultimate easy-to-make dinner that’s bursting with flavor and texture. With crispy tortillas, savory beef, and gooey cheese, they’re a surefire hit at any meal. Whether you make them for a casual family dinner or a taco night with friends, these tacos are sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Try this recipe today, and enjoy the perfect balance of crunch, flavor, and cheese in every bite!

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