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Crispy Baked Beef Tacos

Whip up these Crispy Baked Beef Tacos for a quick and flavorful dinner! With perfectly seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and crunchy oven-baked shells, this recipe delivers all the taco night joy without the mess. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prep—these baked tacos are a guaranteed hit!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 10 tacos
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 230
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Core Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 recommended for flavor
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tbsp homemade
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 10 crunchy taco shells
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Optional Add-ins
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup pickled jalapeños
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Equipment

  • Skillet for browning beef
  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Spatula for stirring
  • Foil for easy cleanup

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  3. Drain excess grease, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer until thickened.
  4. Arrange taco shells upright in a 9x13 baking dish.
  5. Spoon seasoned beef into each shell.
  6. Sprinkle cheese generously over the beef.
  7. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and add toppings before serving.

Notes

Crispy Baked Beef Tacos – Helpful Tips

Cooking Tips & Techniques
  • Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic until slightly crispy for deeper flavor.
  • Drain excess grease before adding seasoning to keep the filling from becoming soggy.
  • Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for the best melt and flavor balance.
  • Brush or spray taco shells lightly with oil before baking to maximize crunch.
  • Bake the assembled tacos uncovered so the shells crisp up instead of steaming.
Serving Suggestions
  • Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sour cream for a classic taco night.
  • Add sliced jalapeños, pickled onions, or avocado for extra zing.
  • Serve alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh corn salad.
  • Pair with salsa verde or pico de gallo for a fresh, zesty dip.
Make-Ahead & Storage
  • Make-Ahead: Prepare the beef filling up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
  • Refrigerator: Store leftover tacos in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until crisp.
  • Freezer: Freeze cooked beef filling (not the assembled tacos) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
  • Reheat: Bake tacos in the oven to restore crunch, or reheat beef filling separately in a skillet.
Tasty Variations to Try
  • Cheesy Upgrade: Add a layer of refried beans under the beef for creaminess.
  • Spicy Kick: Stir chipotle peppers in adobo or diced green chilies into the beef mixture.
  • Breakfast Twist: Swap beef for scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese for morning tacos.
  • Veggie-Friendly: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or lentils for a meatless option.
  • Loaded Supreme: Top baked tacos with guacamole, salsa, and hot sauce for a full-on fiesta flavor.