Name: Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef (90%); 1 packet taco seasoning; ¾ cup red enchilada sauce; 2 ½ cups Oaxaca cheese (or Mexican cheese or Monterey Jack); 10 corn tortillas; 1 tbsp olive oil

These crispy ground beef tacos are the perfect blend of crunchy tortilla, seasoned meat, and melty cheese. Baked rather than fried, they deliver all the satisfying crunch without the mess of deep-frying, making them a perfect weeknight dinner option that the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These oven-baked tacos are a game-changer for taco night. Unlike traditional soft tacos, these get delightfully crispy in the oven while the cheese melts to perfection. They’re incredibly easy to make but deliver restaurant-quality results. The combination of seasoned beef and enchilada sauce creates a rich, flavorful filling that pairs perfectly with the crispy corn tortilla exterior. Plus, they’re ready in just 35 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Lean ground beef forms the hearty protein base of these tacos. Using 90% lean beef gives you plenty of flavor without excessive grease, but you can use whatever percentage you have on hand – just drain excess fat if needed.

Taco seasoning provides that classic Mexican flavor profile with minimal effort. You can use store-bought packets for convenience or make your own blend with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and paprika.

Red enchilada sauce adds moisture and depth of flavor to the beef filling. It provides a rich tomato base with hints of chili pepper that elevates the simple ground beef to something special.

Oaxaca cheese is a Mexican string cheese with exceptional melting qualities, perfect for creating that stretchy, gooey texture inside the tacos. If you can’t find it, Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend works wonderfully as well.

Corn tortillas provide an authentic flavor and the perfect crispy texture when baked. They’re naturally gluten-free and have a more robust flavor than flour tortillas, really standing up to the hearty filling.

Olive oil helps the tortillas crisp up in the oven without frying. Just a light brushing is all you need to achieve that perfect crunch.

Directions

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

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 10 delicious tacos, serving approximately 3-5 people depending on appetite and sides. Each taco contains approximately 524 calories. The total preparation and cooking time is about 35 minutes, with 5 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time. This makes it a perfect option for a weeknight dinner when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.

Variations

Chicken Tacos: Substitute ground chicken for the beef for a lighter option with a different flavor profile.

Vegetarian Tacos: Replace the meat with a mixture of black beans and corn, or use a plant-based meat substitute.

Spicy Tacos: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for an extra kick.

Loaded Tacos: After baking, top with fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, or guacamole.

Breakfast Tacos: Fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and breakfast meat for a morning twist.

Seafood Variation: Use seasoned shrimp or flaked white fish instead of beef for a pescatarian option.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerating: Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the filling and tortillas separately if possible.

Freezing: These tacos freeze well for up to 3 months. Wrap each taco individually in aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating from Refrigerated: For the crispiest results, reheat refrigerated tacos in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it will make the tortillas soggy.

Reheating from Frozen: Reheat frozen tacos (without thawing) in a 375°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the beef filling up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the tacos just before serving for the freshest result.

FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, you can use flour tortillas, but they will give a different texture and flavor. Corn tortillas provide a more authentic taste and tend to crisp up better in the oven. If using flour tortillas, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

How can I make these tacos less spicy for kids?

To make a more kid-friendly version, use mild taco seasoning and enchilada sauce. You can also reduce the amount of seasoning used or set aside some of the browned beef before adding the seasonings for very sensitive palates.

What sides go well with these tacos?

These tacos pair wonderfully with Mexican rice, refried beans, corn salad, or a simple green salad. For a complete fiesta, add some chips with salsa or guacamole on the side.

Can I make these tacos in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fryers work wonderfully for these tacos. Cook at 380°F for about 6-8 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure they don’t over-crisp. You may need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size.

Why are my tacos not getting crispy?

Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 450°F before baking. Also, ensure you’ve lightly brushed the outside of the tortillas with olive oil. Overcrowding the baking sheet can also prevent proper crisping, so arrange tacos in a single layer with some space between them.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Absolutely. While freshly shredded cheese tends to melt better because it doesn’t contain anti-caking agents, pre-shredded cheese will still work well in this recipe and saves preparation time.

How do I prevent the tortillas from breaking when I fold them?

Warming the tortillas as directed (wrapped in a damp paper towel and microwaved) is crucial for flexibility. If they’re still breaking, they might be old or particularly dry. Try warming them for a few more seconds or very briefly dipping them in warm water before microwaving.

Can I add beans to this recipe?

Yes! Black beans or pinto beans make a great addition. Drain and rinse canned beans, then add them to the beef mixture after it’s been seasoned. This will also stretch the filling to make more tacos.

What’s the best way to serve these for a party?

For parties, prepare the filling in advance and keep it warm in a slow cooker. Set up a station with warmed tortillas, cheese, and the hot filling. Guests can assemble their own tacos which you can then bake in batches. Offer a toppings bar with various garnishes for customization.

Are these tacos gluten-free?

The tacos are gluten-free if you use corn tortillas and ensure your taco seasoning and enchilada sauce are gluten-free (most are, but always check labels). This makes them a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Conclusion

These crispy ground beef tacos represent the perfect balance between convenience and flavor. With their crispy exterior, seasoned beef filling, and gooey melted cheese, they offer a delightful textural experience that elevates them above standard tacos. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or hosting friends for a casual dinner, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The beauty of these tacos also lies in their versatility – feel free to customize the fillings and toppings to suit your preferences or what you have available. Once you try this baked method, you might find it becomes your new go-to for taco night!