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- 1 pound ground beef - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - ½ teaspoon paprika - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat) - Salt and black pepper to taste - 12 small corn tortillas - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce - 1 diced tomato - ½ cup sour cream - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Lime wedges, for serving Gathering the right ingredients makes cooking fun and easy. Here’s what you need for crispy baked ground beef tacos. Start with 1 pound of ground beef. This is the base for your flavor. Next, get a small onion and two cloves of garlic. These add a great taste to your beef. Spices are key in this dish. You’ll need a tablespoon of chili powder, a teaspoon of cumin, and a half teaspoon of paprika. Want a little kick? Add half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Don’t forget salt and black pepper to taste. You’ll also need 12 small corn tortillas. These will hold all the yummy fillings. For cheese lovers, grab a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. For fresh toppings, get 1 cup of shredded romaine lettuce, one diced tomato, and half a cup of sour cream. Fresh cilantro makes a great garnish. Lastly, lime wedges bring a zesty touch to your meal. With these ingredients, you’re ready to create a tasty meal that everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the tacos will bake evenly. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup later. 3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 pound of ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. 4. Cook the beef until it turns brown. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. 5. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. 6. Add 1 small chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook until the onion looks clear, about 3 to 4 minutes. 1. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and ½ teaspoon of paprika. If you like heat, add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. 2. Don’t forget to add salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to mix the spices. 3. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. This helps bring out the flavors of the spices. 4. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the beef mixture cool slightly before you assemble the tacos. 1. While the beef cools, microwave 12 small corn tortillas for about 30 seconds. This makes them soft and easy to fold. 2. Take one tortilla and place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center. Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. 3. Fold the tortilla over to make a taco shape. Place it seam-side down on the baking sheet. 4. Repeat this step with the rest of the tortillas until your baking sheet is full. 1. Once all the tacos are on the baking sheet, sprinkle the tops with any remaining cheese. 2. Bake in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Look for them to turn crispy and golden brown. 3. After baking, remove the tacos and let them cool for about a minute. 4. Serve warm with shredded romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream on top. Don’t forget lime wedges for that extra zing! For the best crispy tacos, start with your tortillas. I recommend microwaving them for about 30 seconds. This makes them soft and easy to fold. If you skip this step, your tortillas might crack when you shape them. Next, bake your tacos at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them. You want them golden brown and crisp. If they seem to be cooking too fast, you can lower the heat slightly. Spices can boost your tacos. Try adding onion powder or garlic powder for extra flavor. You can also toss in some oregano or a pinch of chili flakes for more heat. Pair your tacos with fresh salsa or creamy guacamole. They add great taste and texture. A squeeze of lime juice brightens the whole dish. Don't forget to top your tacos with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes for crunch. Enjoy the burst of flavors! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor and presentation of your tacos. Perfect Tortilla Technique: Warming the corn tortillas in the microwave makes them pliable and prevents tearing when assembling the tacos. Layering for Flavor: Layer the cheese both inside and on top of the tacos for a melty, delicious experience. Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference, or offer hot sauce on the side for guests to customize their tacos. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up the protein in these tacos. Ground turkey or chicken works well. If you prefer plant-based options, use lentils or black beans. These choices offer great flavor while keeping the tacos healthy. If you need gluten-free options, look for corn tortillas. They are tasty and easy to find. You can also use lettuce wraps for a refreshing twist. This choice cuts carbs and adds crunch. When it comes to toppings, the sky's the limit! You can use different types of cheese. Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Fresh vegetables add color and crunch. Chopped bell peppers, jalapeños, or radishes make great additions. Salsas and sauces can elevate your taco game. You can make a classic pico de gallo with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. For a twist, try mango salsa for a sweet touch. A drizzle of hot sauce or a creamy avocado sauce can also add more flavor. Explore these topping ideas to find your perfect taco combination! To keep your crispy baked ground beef tacos fresh, store them in the fridge. Place the tacos in an airtight container. If you have extra toppings like lettuce or sour cream, store them separately. This helps keep the tacos crispy and the toppings fresh. Your tacos will stay good for about three days in the fridge. When you're ready to eat your leftover tacos, reheating is key to keeping them crispy. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tacos on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. Check to see if they are warm and crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the tortillas soggy. Enjoy your tasty meal again! Can I make these tacos ahead of time? Yes, you can make these tacos ahead. Cook the beef mixture and cool it. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready, fill and bake the tacos. This saves time and keeps the meal fresh. What sides go well with baked tacos? Baked tacos pair nicely with several sides. Consider serving them with: - Refried beans - Spanish rice - Guacamole - Chips and salsa These sides add flavor and variety to your meal. How do I keep tacos from getting soggy? To prevent soggy tacos, dry the beef mixture well before filling. Use warm tortillas but avoid overcooking them. Bake them until they are crispy. This helps keep the texture just right. What’s the best way to freeze tacos for later use? To freeze tacos, assemble them but do not bake. Wrap each taco in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge, then bake until crispy. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You learned how to make delicious baked tacos from scratch. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for crispy results. Remember, you can swap proteins or toppings to fit your taste. Don’t forget storage tips for leftovers and how to reheat them. Cooking can be fun and easy. Now, grab your ingredients and start making your tasty tacos today! Enjoy every bite.

Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos

Delicious and crispy baked tacos filled with seasoned ground beef and topped with fresh ingredients.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
  • 1 diced tomato
  • 1 2 cup sour cream
  • 1 Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • 1 Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the beef mixture to cool slightly.
  • While the beef is cooling, microwave the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds to make them pliable.
  • Take one tortilla, place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center, and sprinkle with a little cheese. Fold the tortilla over to form a taco shape and place it on the baking sheet with the seam facing down. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
  • Once all tacos are assembled, sprinkle the tops with the remaining cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute. Serve warm, topped with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and garnished with fresh cilantro. Serve lime wedges on the side for an extra zing.

Notes

Arrange the tacos on a large platter and garnish with lime wedges and cilantro sprigs for a vibrant look. Serve with dipping bowls of sour cream or salsa for added flavor.
Keyword baked, crispy, ground beef, tacos