Crispy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are a delicious twist on a classic favorite, combining savory seasoned beef with melted cheese inside crunchy tortillas. These tacos bake to golden perfection, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90%)
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• 3/4 cup red enchilada sauce
• 2 1/2 cups Oaxaca cheese, Mexican cheese, or Monterey Jack
• 10 corn tortillas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in the taco seasoning and red enchilada sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove from heat.
3. Step 3: Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 to 60 seconds until they become pliable.
4. Step 4: Brush one side of each tortilla with olive oil. Place the tortilla on a baking sheet with the oiled side down. Add 2 tablespoons of cheese to half of the tortilla, top with ¼ cup of the beef mixture, then add 2 more tablespoons of cheese. Fold the tortilla over to enclose the filling.
5. Step 5: Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and arrange the tacos in a single layer on the baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Bake for 16 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese has melted. Let the tacos cool for about 3 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack for a richer flavor.
• For extra crispiness, flip the tacos halfway through baking.
• Add diced onions or jalapeños inside for added texture and heat.
• Swap corn tortillas for flour tortillas if preferred, but reduce baking time slightly as they crisp faster.

Storage

Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes to regain crispiness, or warm in a skillet over medium heat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef for a leaner option. Adjust seasoning and cooking time as needed.

How do I prevent the tacos from getting soggy?

Make sure to brush the tortillas with olive oil and bake them on a single layer to maintain crispness. Also, avoid overloading with sauce to keep the shells from becoming soggy.

Crispy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 98 reviews

These Crispy Ground Beef Tacos combine seasoned ground beef and melted Oaxaca cheese folded inside golden, oven-baked corn tortillas for a deliciously crunchy and cheesy Mexican-inspired meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 10 tacos 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Seasoning

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90%)
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 3/4 cup red enchilada sauce

Dairy

• 2 1/2 cups Oaxaca cheese or Mexican cheese or Monterey Jack cheese

Breads and Oils

• 10 corn tortillas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to prepare for baking the tacos until crispy.
2. Cook Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook, breaking it apart as it browns. Once the beef is browned, stir in the packet of taco seasoning and the red enchilada sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer briefly, then remove from heat.
3. Prepare Tortillas: Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 30 to 60 seconds until they become soft and pliable for folding.
4. Assemble Tacos: Brush one side of each tortilla with olive oil. Place the tortilla on a baking sheet with the oiled side down. Add 2 tablespoons of cheese to one half of the tortilla, then top with approximately 1/4 cup of the cooked beef mixture, and sprinkle another 2 tablespoons of cheese on top. Fold the tortilla over the filling to form a taco.
5. Repeat Assembly: Repeat the assembly process with the remaining tortillas and arrange all tacos in a single layer on the baking sheet.
6. Bake Tacos: Bake the arranged tacos in the preheated oven for 16 minutes or until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese has melted thoroughly.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the tacos from the oven and allow them to cool for 3 minutes before serving to enable the cheese to set slightly and avoid burns.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef (90%) to reduce excessive grease in the tacos.
• Microwaving tortillas before baking makes them pliable and easier to fold without cracking.
• Brushing tortillas with olive oil helps achieve a crispy, golden exterior when baked.
• If Oaxaca cheese is unavailable, Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend cheese makes a great substitute.
• To make tacos spicier, add extra chili powder or jalapeños to the beef mixture.
• Leftover tacos can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for best crispiness.

Keywords: ground beef tacos, crispy tacos, baked tacos, Mexican tacos, enchilada sauce tacos, Oaxaca cheese tacos