There’s something so satisfying about biting into a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful taco, and these crispy baked ground beef tacos deliver just that. They’re super easy to make, packed with seasoned beef, and baked to golden perfection for a crunchy texture without deep frying. Perfect for taco night, game days, or a quick weeknight meal.
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates.
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos
- Crispy without frying: Baking makes them crunchy with less oil
- Flavor-packed: The seasoned ground beef is bold, savory, and satisfying
- Easy to make: Minimal prep and simple ingredients
- Customizable: Load them with your favorite toppings
Ingredients for Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 10-12 small corn tortillas
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or cooking spray
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Basting brush
How to Make Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about three minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned, about five minutes.
- Drain excess grease, then mix in taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce. Let it simmer for two minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 2: Assemble the Tacos
- Lightly warm the corn tortillas in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them pliable.
- Spoon two tablespoons of beef filling onto one side of each tortilla and sprinkle with cheese.
- Fold the tortilla in half and press gently to seal.
Step 3: Bake to Crispy Perfection
- Place tacos on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush the tops lightly with melted butter or spray with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the tacos cool for a minute before serving. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy.
Topping Ideas
- Fresh salsa – adds a juicy, zesty touch
- Guacamole or avocado slices – for a creamy contrast
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt – balances the flavors
- Chopped cilantro and onions – adds freshness
- Pickled jalapeños – for a spicy kick
Tips for the Best Crispy Baked Tacos
- Use corn tortillas – they crisp up better than flour ones
- Don’t overfill – too much filling can make them soggy
- Flip halfway through baking – ensures even crispiness
- For extra crunch, broil the tacos for the last one to two minutes
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days
- Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for five to seven minutes to keep them crispy
- Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soft
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the tacos, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze unbaked tacos on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes.
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Both work great as a lighter option.
Conclusion: A Taco Night Favorite
These crispy baked ground beef tacos are a game-changer—so crunchy, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether it’s for family dinner or a party, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Try them out and let us know how they turned out.
Did you make this recipe? Share your photos and tag us on social media.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutritional Information (per taco)
Calories: 210
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Enjoy every crispy bite.
Print
Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
There’s something so satisfying about biting into a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful taco, and these crispy baked ground beef tacos deliver just that. They’re super easy to make, packed with seasoned beef, and baked to golden perfection for a crunchy texture without deep frying. Perfect for taco night, game days, or a quick weeknight meal.
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 10–12 small corn tortillas
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or cooking spray
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about three minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned, about five minutes.
- Drain excess grease, then mix in taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce. Let it simmer for two minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 2: Assemble the Tacos
- Lightly warm the corn tortillas in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them pliable.
- Spoon two tablespoons of beef filling onto one side of each tortilla and sprinkle with cheese.
- Fold the tortilla in half and press gently to seal.
Step 3: Bake to Crispy Perfection
- Place tacos on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush the tops lightly with melted butter or spray with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the tacos cool for a minute before serving. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy.
Notes
- Use corn tortillas – they crisp up better than flour ones
- Don’t overfill – too much filling can make them soggy
- Flip halfway through baking – ensures even crispiness
- For extra crunch, broil the tacos for the last one to two minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
