Scrumptious Ground Beef Baked Tacos Recipe for Taco Night Magic

Crafting delectable ground beef baked tacos brings pure culinary joy to your kitchen adventure.

Crispy shells cradle seasoned meat in a mouthwatering embrace that delights every taste bud.

Mexican-inspired flavors dance across your plate with zesty spices and melted cheese.

Simple ingredients combine to create a meal that feels both comforting and exciting.

Weeknight dinners transform into festive celebrations with these easy-to-assemble treats.

Minimal prep work means maximum satisfaction for hungry folks gathering around the table.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that promises to become a household favorite.

Why Ground Beef Baked Tacos Are So Satisfying

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on personal taste preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different dietary needs and flavor profiles.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a hearty, satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.
• Minimal Kitchen Mess: Baking the tacos in a single dish reduces cleanup time and simplifies the cooking process, making it a stress-free meal preparation experience.
• Quick Assembly Magic: Requires basic cooking skills and minimal preparation, allowing even novice cooks to create a delicious and impressive dish without extensive culinary expertise.

What You’ll Need for Baked Beef Tacos

• Ground Beef: A savory meat that serves as the primary protein and flavor foundation for the tacos.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: These spices add depth, warmth, and complexity to the ground beef mixture.
• Garlic, Onion: Classic aromatics that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour shells that hold the beef mixture and create the taco structure.
• Cheddar Cheese: A melty, sharp cheese that adds richness and creates a golden, bubbly topping.
• Lettuce, Tomatoes: Fresh garnishes that provide crunch and brightness to the finished dish.

• Salsa, Sour Cream: Condiments that can be served alongside to add extra flavor and creaminess.

Step-by-Step for Ground Beef Baked Tacos

Step 1: Warm Up The Cooking Space

Set your oven to sizzle at 375°F. Make sure the rack is positioned in the middle for even heating.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Beef Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Ground beef

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the spices dance with the meat for a couple of minutes, creating a rich, aromatic mixture.

Step 3: Build Taco Layers

• Soft tortillas
• Seasoned beef
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Repeat the layers, ensuring cheese crowns the top.

Step 4: Transform In Oven

Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then unveil and bake another 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Dress And Serve

• Crisp lettuce
• Fresh diced tomatoes

Serve with salsa or sour cream for extra excitement.

Tips for Crisp & Cheesy Baked Tacos

• Boost Beef Flavor: Add a splash of beef broth while cooking ground beef to enhance its richness and create a more savory taste profile.
• Prevent Soggy Tortillas: Lightly toast tortillas in a dry skillet before assembling to create a barrier that helps prevent moisture absorption.
• Cheese Selection Trick: Mix different cheese varieties like monterey jack and cheddar for a more complex and creamy melting texture.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust chili powder and cumin quantities to personalize heat intensity according to your preference.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare beef mixture and assemble tacos in advance, then refrigerate and bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Ways to Switch Up Baked Tacos

• Vegetarian Bean Swap: Replace ground beef with black beans or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version that maintains the same zesty flavor profile.
• Turkey Lean Alternative: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lower-fat option that keeps the classic taco taste intact.
• Gluten-Free Shell Solution: Use corn tortillas instead of wheat tortillas to create a gluten-free friendly meal that's equally delicious and crispy.
• Spicy Pepper Kick: Add diced jalapeños or green chiles to the beef mixture for those who want an extra heat boost in their baked taco experience.

Favorite Sides for Beef Baked Tacos

• Pair Zesty Mexican Lager: Crack open a crisp, light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to complement the rich, spicy beef flavors. The beer's refreshing notes will cut through the hearty meat and cheese.
• Unleash Fresh Cilantro Margarita: Mix a bright, tangy margarita with fresh cilantro and lime juice. This cocktail's herbal and citrus undertones will balance the robust ground beef and enhance the overall taco experience.
• Create Cooling Cucumber Salsa: Whip up a quick cucumber salsa with diced cucumber, red onion, lime juice, and a touch of salt. Its crisp, clean taste will provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy baked tacos.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Baked Tacos

• Store leftover tacos in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen tacos can last up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place tacos on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 3 minutes to crisp up the edges.
• Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate.

FAQs About Ground Beef Baked Tacos

• Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and seasoned similarly to maintain the recipe’s flavor profile.

• How do I prevent my tortillas from getting soggy?

Use fresh, high-quality tortillas and don’t overfill them. Blotting excess moisture from the beef mixture before assembling can also help keep tortillas crisp.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe is mildly seasoned. If you want more heat, increase the chili powder or add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture. For less spice, reduce the amount of chili powder.

Ground Beef Baked Tacos Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired ground beef baked tacos bring sizzling flavors straight to dinner tables with crispy shells and melted cheese. Hungry diners will discover a simple yet delicious meal that combines zesty seasonings and classic taco ingredients for maximum satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Taco Components:

• 10 taco-size flour or corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Garnishes:

• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes

Optional Toppings:

• Salsa
• Sour cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F, creating the perfect environment for baking crispy tacos.
2. In a skillet, sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook briefly to release aromatic flavors.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it down and cooking until completely browned, eliminating any pink areas.
4. Enhance the meat with a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, allowing the spices to meld for maximum flavor intensity.
5. Create a protective base layer in the baking dish using a thin spread of the seasoned beef mixture.
6. Construct taco layers by placing tortillas in the dish, topping each with the spiced beef and generously sprinkling cheddar cheese.
7. Continue layering tortillas, beef, and cheese until ingredients are exhausted, ensuring cheese covers the top layer.
8. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, trapping moisture and ensuring even heating.
9. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
10. Allow tacos to rest briefly after removing from the oven to set the layers and cool slightly.
11. Finish by adorning with fresh shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes for a crisp, vibrant presentation.
12. Serve immediately with optional side condiments like salsa or sour cream for personalized flavor enhancement.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting chili powder for spice-sensitive diners or those who love bold flavors.
• Select lean ground beef to reduce fat content and create a healthier version of this comfort dish.
• Experiment with corn or whole wheat tortillas for gluten-free or more nutritious alternatives to traditional flour tortillas.
• Prep ahead by cooking beef mixture in advance and assembling tacos just before baking to save time during busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg