If you’re on the hunt for a taco that brings together irresistible crunch, savory beef, and melty cheese in every bite, this Crispy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines seasoned ground beef simmered in rich enchilada sauce, wrapped in tortillas that get perfectly crispy in the oven. The harmony of flavors and textures in this recipe is just like a fiesta on your plate, making it an unforgettable meal you’ll want to make time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together beautifully to create a taco that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and that signature crunch. Each item is crucial—whether it’s the lean ground beef providing hearty protein, the enchilada sauce adding deep, tangy notes, or the cheese melting into golden, gooey layers.
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90%): Provides the perfect balance of flavor and leanness for a juicy filling without too much grease.
- 1 packet of taco seasoning: Brings a bold, familiar spice blend that makes the beef taste like classic taco night.
- 3/4 cup red enchilada sauce: Adds a rich, tangy depth that keeps the beef moist and packed with Mexican-inspired flavor.
- 10 corn tortillas: The traditional base, essential for that authentic taco texture and taste.
- 2 1/2 cups Oaxaca cheese, Mexican cheese, or Monterey Jack, shredded: Melts beautifully inside and outside the taco, creating crispy golden edges and a creamy center.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps crisp up the tortillas in the oven for that unbeatable texture.
How to Make Crispy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature is key to getting those tortillas crispy while melting the cheese perfectly. Having the oven ready early means you can switch gears smoothly once the tacos are assembled.
Step 2: Cook and Season the Beef
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the lean ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Once fully cooked, stir in your taco seasoning and red enchilada sauce. Let it simmer briefly so those bold flavors meld into every bite, transforming simple beef into a rich, savory filling.
Step 3: Soften the Tortillas
Stack the corn tortillas and wrap them in a damp paper towel, then microwave for 30 to 60 seconds. This step might feel small, but it’s essential—it preps the tortillas to bend without cracking when you fold them into taco shapes later.
Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos
Brush one side of each tortilla with olive oil, then place them oiled side down on a baking sheet. On half of each tortilla, layer 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese, then spoon about 1/4 cup of the spiced beef, topping that with another 2 tablespoons of cheese. Fold the tortilla over the filling carefully to form the taco shape, sealing in all the deliciousness.
Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Arrange the formed tacos on your baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 16 minutes. The oven’s heat crisps the tortilla edges and melts the cheese into golden, bubbly goodness—it’s the magic moment where everything comes together.
Step 6: Let Them Rest
Once baked, let the tacos cool for about 3 minutes. This brief resting time lets the cheese and filling firm up just enough so your crispy ground beef tacos won’t fall apart when you take that first satisfying bite.
How to Serve Crispy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Adding just the right garnishes can elevate your Crispy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe to the next level. Fresh cilantro sprigs, a squeeze of lime, diced onions, or sliced jalapeños bring fresh, vibrant contrasts that pair beautifully with the hearty filling. A dollop of sour cream or some chunky guacamole adds creaminess that balances the crispy texture and savory beef.
Side Dishes
Serve these tacos alongside a zesty Mexican street corn salad or a simple side of black beans and rice to round out the meal. The freshness of pico de gallo or a crisp, refreshing cabbage slaw also complements the crunchy texture and rich flavors of the tacos perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix things up, try serving your crispy ground beef tacos on colorful plates with small bowls of various salsas for dipping. You can also transform them into a taco salad by chopping the crispy tacos and sprinkling them over a bed of greens with all your favorite toppings for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reassemble any that have lost their shape before reheating to retain as much crispiness as possible. Keeping the filling separate from the tortilla the next time you serve helps preserve textures better.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked beef mixture in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To maintain the best texture, it’s better to freeze the beef separately and freeze unbaked assembled tacos on a tray before transferring them into freezer bags. This way, you can bake fresh crispy tacos whenever you are ready.
Reheating
To reheat the tacos and maintain their crispiness, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the tortillas soggy and takes away the delicious crunch.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn for this Crispy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe?
Absolutely! Flour tortillas will give a slightly different texture—softer and a bit chewier—but they also crisp up nicely in the oven. Just make sure to adjust the baking time and watch carefully to prevent over-browning.
What type of cheese works best for these tacos?
Oaxaca cheese is ideal because it melts perfectly and creates a great stretchy texture. Monterey Jack or any mild Mexican cheese works well too, especially if you prefer a creamier melt. Avoid very hard cheeses, as they won’t melt as nicely.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu, textured vegetable protein, or seasoned mushrooms. Use the same seasoning and enchilada sauce for flavor, and you’ll have delicious crispy tacos suitable for vegetarians.
How do I make the tortillas crispy without drying them out?
Brushing the tortillas lightly with olive oil before baking helps them crisp evenly without drying out. Plus, microwaving the stacked tortillas beforehand makes them pliable and less likely to crack when folded.
Is it possible to make smaller or larger tacos with this recipe?
Definitely! Just adjust the amount of filling and cheese per tortilla. Smaller tacos make great appetizers, while larger ones are perfect for a hearty meal. The baking time may vary slightly depending on size, so keep an eye on them for that perfect golden crisp.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe truly brings a joyous burst of flavor, texture, and comfort to any table. Once you try it, these tacos will quickly become a go-to favorite for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. So gather your ingredients, get that oven heating, and treat yourself to some taco magic that’s crispy, cheesy, and utterly delicious.
Print
Crispy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: 10 tacos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make recipe featuring seasoned ground beef cooked with taco seasoning and enchilada sauce, layered inside corn tortillas with melted cheese, then baked to crispy perfection. Ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner or casual gatherings, these tacos combine a satisfying blend of savory meat, gooey cheese, and crunchy tortillas.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90%)
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 3/4 cup red enchilada sauce
Tortillas and Cheese
- 10 corn tortillas
- 2 1/2 cups Oaxaca cheese, Mexican cheese, or Monterey Jack, shredded
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) so it’s ready to crisp the tacos perfectly once assembled.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked. Stir in the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer, then remove from heat to let the flavors meld.
- Soften Tortillas: Stack the corn tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel, and microwave for 30–60 seconds until they become soft and pliable, which prevents cracking when folded.
- Prepare Tacos: Brush one side of each tortilla lightly with olive oil and place them oiled side down on a baking sheet. On half of each tortilla, layer 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese, followed by about 1/4 cup of the seasoned beef mixture, then another 2 tablespoons of cheese. Fold the tortilla over the filling to create a taco shape.
- Bake Tacos: Arrange all assembled tacos in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake at 450°F for 16 minutes until the tortillas turn crispy and the cheese has melted deliciously.
- Cool and Serve: Let the tacos cool for 3 minutes on the baking sheet to allow the filling to set, making them easier to handle and enjoy.
Notes
- For softer tacos, reduce baking time slightly or brush with less olive oil.
- You can substitute the corn tortillas with flour tortillas if preferred.
- Feel free to add toppings like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for extra flavor.
- If you want spicier tacos, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Leftover tacos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
