Description
These Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are a flavorful and satisfying meal featuring seasoned ground beef cooked with enchilada sauce, melty cheese, and crisp baked tortillas. With simple ingredients and a quick step-by-step process, this recipe delivers the perfect combination of textures and savory Mexican-inspired flavors in about 30 minutes. Ideal for a casual family dinner or entertaining guests, these tacos are crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and packed with cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90%)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 3/4 cup red enchilada sauce
Tortillas and Toppings
- 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 later.
- Prepare the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully browned and cooked through. Stir in the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce, allowing the mixture to come to a simmer. Remove from heat and let the flavors meld.
- Warm the Tortillas: Stack the corn tortillas and wrap them in a damp paper towel. Microwave for 30 to 60 seconds until the tortillas are soft and pliable, preventing cracking when folded.
- 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 the assembly with all tortillas and arrange the folded tacos in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 16 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the tacos from the oven and let them cool for 3 minutes. This resting period allows the filling to set, making the tacos easier to handle and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute the lean ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Use store-bought taco seasoning or make your own blend for customized flavor.
- For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- If you prefer softer tacos, reduce the baking time slightly or skip baking and warm in a skillet instead.
- Leftover tacos can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
