Description
These Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired dish featuring seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and crispy baked corn tortillas. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering, they combine the savory flavors of taco seasoning and enchilada sauce with the texture of oven-baked tacos that hold up well to fillings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90%)
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 3/4 cup red enchilada sauce
- 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 when you bake the tacos, which is essential for achieving that crispy texture on the tortillas.
- Cook the ground beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it while breaking it up with a spatula until the meat is browned and fully cooked through. Stir in the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce, and let the mixture simmer briefly so the flavors meld, then remove from heat.
- Prepare the tortillas: Stack the corn tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel, and microwave for 30–60 seconds until they become soft and pliable. This prevents the tortillas from cracking when folded into tacos.
- Assemble the tacos: Lightly brush one side of each tortilla with olive oil. Place the tortillas, oiled side down, on a baking sheet. On half of each tortilla, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese, spoon about 1/4 cup of the seasoned beef mixture on top, then add 2 more tablespoons of cheese. Fold the tortillas over the filling to form a taco shape.
- Bake the tacos: Arrange all the assembled tacos in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake them for about 16 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool before serving: Let the tacos cool for 3 minutes after baking. This resting time helps the filling set, making the tacos easier to handle and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute the enchilada sauce with salsa roja or your favorite taco sauce if preferred.
- For a spicier version, add some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture while cooking.
- Use a tortilla warmer or lightly oil a pan to warm tortillas if you prefer not to use a microwave.
- Leftover tacos can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- For vegetarian options, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
