If you love crunchy tacos but want a healthier, easier version, these Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos are a game-changer! They’re filled with seasoned beef, melty cheese, and baked to golden perfection—no frying required! Perfect for taco night, parties, or a quick family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Without Frying – Baked in the oven for a crunchy, golden shell.
Packed with Flavor – Perfectly seasoned ground beef with melty cheese.
Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes with minimal effort.
Customizable – Load them up with your favorite toppings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup beef broth or water
For the Tacos:
- 10 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- Cooking spray or oil (for brushing)
For Toppings (Optional):
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Fresh cilantro
- Salsa
How to Make Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos
Step 1: Make the Beef Filling
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato sauce and broth. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Assemble the Tacos
- Place tortillas on a warm plate or microwave them for 15 seconds to soften.
- Sprinkle a little cheese on one side of each tortilla, then add a spoonful of beef filling. Top with more cheese.
- Fold the tortillas in half and press down gently to help them stay closed.
Step 3: Bake Until Crispy
- Lightly brush or spray both sides of the tacos with oil and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden brown.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before adding your favorite toppings.
Tips for Perfect Baked Tacos
Warm the Tortillas First – This prevents them from cracking when folded.
Don’t Overfill – Too much filling will make them hard to close.
Use Cheese as Glue – The melted cheese helps seal the tacos.
For Extra Crispiness – Broil for the last 1-2 minutes.
Serving Ideas & Variations
Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef.
Cheesy Upgrade – Mix in cream cheese or extra shredded cheese.
Avocado Lovers – Add mashed avocado inside before baking.
Protein Swap – Try ground turkey or shredded chicken instead of beef.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked tacos for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
- Reheat: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes or air fry for crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes! Flour tortillas will be slightly softer but still crispy when baked.
How do I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free corn tortillas and check that your seasonings are GF-certified.
What’s the best cheese for tacos?
A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Mexican blend gives the best flavor!
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos are a delicious, easy way to enjoy taco night with less mess and no frying! With a flavorful beef filling and crunchy shell, they’re sure to become a new family favorite.
Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutritional Information (Per Taco):
Calories: 220 | Protein: 12g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 320mg
Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
If you love crunchy tacos but want a healthier, easier version, these Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos are a game-changer! They’re filled with seasoned beef, melty cheese, and baked to golden perfection—no frying required! Perfect for taco night, parties, or a quick family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup beef broth or water
For the Tacos:
- 10 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- Cooking spray or oil (for brushing)
For Toppings (Optional):
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Fresh cilantro
- Salsa
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Beef Filling
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato sauce and broth. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Assemble the Tacos
- Place tortillas on a warm plate or microwave them for 15 seconds to soften.
- Sprinkle a little cheese on one side of each tortilla, then add a spoonful of beef filling. Top with more cheese.
- Fold the tortillas in half and press down gently to help them stay closed.
Step 3: Bake Until Crispy
- Lightly brush or spray both sides of the tacos with oil and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden brown.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before adding your favorite toppings.
Notes
Warm the Tortillas First – This prevents them from cracking when folded.
Don’t Overfill – Too much filling will make them hard to close.
Use Cheese as Glue – The melted cheese helps seal the tacos.
For Extra Crispiness – Broil for the last 1-2 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
