Description
These Crispy Ground Beef Tacos deliver a perfect combination of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crunchy tortillas baked to golden perfection. With a quick skillet-cooked filling and oven-baked tortillas brushed with olive oil, this recipe creates irresistibly crispy tacos filled with rich Mexican flavors, ideal for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Filling
- 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
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the tacos.
- Prepare the 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. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove from heat to allow flavors to meld.
- Warm the Tortillas: Stack the corn tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel, and microwave for 30–60 seconds until soft and pliable. This prevents cracking when folding the tacos.
- Assemble the Tacos: Brush one side of each tortilla lightly with olive oil. Place the tortillas, oiled side down, on a baking sheet. On half of each tortilla, add 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese, top with about 1/4 cup of the seasoned beef mixture, and sprinkle with 2 more tablespoons of cheese. Fold the tortilla over the filling to form a taco shape.
- Arrange and Bake: Repeat with the remaining tortillas and arrange all assembled tacos in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 16 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the tacos cool for 3 minutes after baking to help the filling set and make them easier to handle. Serve warm.
Notes
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess grease but still provides great flavor.
- Warming the tortillas prior to baking prevents cracking when folding them into taco shapes.
- Olive oil brushed on the tortillas ensures they crisp nicely in the oven.
- Feel free to substitute cheese varieties like Monterrey Jack or Mexican blend if Oaxaca cheese is unavailable.
- For extra zest, serve with fresh salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
