These Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner. In just 35 minutes, you can enjoy a delightful meal that everyone will adore. The combination of crispy tortillas filled with savory ground beef and melted cheese makes these tacos irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply looking for a satisfying family meal, these tacos shine in flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With only 35 minutes from start to finish, this recipe fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are loved by both kids and adults, making them ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
- Versatile Options: Enjoy these tacos with various toppings like salsa, queso, or guacamole to suit everyone’s tastes.
- Flavorful Filling: The combination of taco seasoning and enchilada sauce gives the beef an irresistible flavor burst.
- Perfectly Crispy: Baking the tacos ensures a crunchy shell that holds all the delicious fillings without getting soggy.
Tools and Preparation
To make these Crispy Ground Beef Tacos efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Baking sheet
- Microwave-safe dish
- Paper towels
- Brush for oil
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet is key for browning the ground beef evenly and achieving that perfect texture.
- Baking sheet: Using a baking sheet allows you to cook multiple tacos at once, making it easy to serve everyone.
- Microwave-safe dish: This is essential for warming tortillas quickly and ensuring they become pliable for folding.
Ingredients
These Crispy Ground Beef Tacos require simple ingredients that come together beautifully:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90%)
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 3/4 cup red enchilada sauce
- 2 1/2 cups Oaxaca cheese or Mexican cheese or Monterey Jack
- 10 corn tortillas
- 1 tbs olive oil
How to Make Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F. This high temperature will help make your tortillas perfectly crispy.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the lean ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks until browned.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and red enchilada sauce. Bring this mixture to a simmer, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Tortillas
- Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel.
- Microwave them for 30–60 seconds until they become pliable. This step is crucial for folding without tearing.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Brush one side of each tortilla with olive oil.
- Place the tortilla on a baking sheet with the oiled side down.
- Add 2 tablespoons of Oaxaca cheese to half of the tortilla, top with ¼ cup of cooked beef, then add another 2 tablespoons of cheese. Fold the tortilla over the filling.
Step 5: Bake the Tacos
Repeat assembling with remaining tortillas. Arrange them in a single layer on your baking sheet. Bake for about 16 minutes, or until tortillas are crispy and cheese has melted.
Step 6: Serve
Let your tacos cool for about 3 minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dips like salsa or guacamole!
How to Serve Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your taco night experience.
With Fresh Toppings
- Chopped Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herby flavor to each bite.
- Diced Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, tomatoes enhance the overall taste.
- Sour Cream: A creamy contrast that balances the spices of the beef.
Dipping Sauces
- Salsa: Choose your favorite salsa for a zesty kick.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole complements the crunchiness perfectly.
- Queso Dip: Melted cheese dip that pairs excellently with crispy tacos.
Pairs Well with Drinks
- Margaritas: Classic cocktail that enhances the Mexican theme.
- Iced Tea: Refreshing and light, perfect for a casual meal.
Make It a Taco Bar
- Variety of Fillings: Offer additional ingredients like chicken or beans for diversity.
- Taco Shell Options: Provide both crispy and soft tortillas for everyone’s preference.
How to Perfect Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
Perfecting crispy ground beef tacos is all about technique and timing. Here are some tips to help you achieve taco greatness.
- Use Lean Meat: Choosing lean ground beef (90% or higher) helps reduce excess grease while keeping the flavor intact.
- Preheat Your Oven: Ensuring your oven is at 450F before baking guarantees that the tortillas turn out perfectly crispy.
- Don’t Overstuff: Adding too much filling can make it difficult to fold and may prevent the tortilla from crisping properly.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brushing tortillas with olive oil before baking adds extra crispness and enhances flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
To complement your Crispy Ground Beef Tacos, consider these delicious side dishes. Each option adds variety and flavor to your meal.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with spices, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Refried Beans: Creamy and savory beans that add heartiness to your meal.
- Corn Salad: A refreshing mix of corn, peppers, and lime that adds sweetness and crunch.
- Chips and Salsa: A classic starter that’s always a hit at gatherings; pair with homemade salsa for an extra touch.
- Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies like bell peppers and zucchini provide a healthy balance to your tacos.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Sweet corn on the cob coated in mayo, cheese, and spices for a flavorful side dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crispy Ground Beef Tacos, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
Not preheating the oven: If you skip this step, your tacos may not become as crispy as desired. Always preheat to 450F for optimal crunch.
Overfilling the tortillas: Adding too much filling can lead to soggy tacos. Stick to the recommended amounts for the best results.
Skipping the oil: Forgetting to brush olive oil on the tortillas will prevent them from crisping up nicely. Make sure to oil one side before baking.
Using cold tortillas: Cold tortillas can tear and break easily. Warm them in the microwave first to make them pliable and easier to work with.
Not letting the tacos cool: Cutting into hot tacos right out of the oven can cause everything to spill out. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover tacos in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep any extra salsa or toppings separate until ready to serve.
Freezing Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
- For freezing, wrap each taco individually in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped tacos in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
Oven: Preheat oven to 350F and place tacos on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30-60 seconds but note they won’t be crispy this way.
Stovetop: Heat on medium heat in a skillet for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through and slightly crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Crispy Ground Beef Tacos:
How do I make Crispy Ground Beef Tacos less greasy?
You can use leaner ground beef or drain excess fat after cooking. This will help reduce greasiness while maintaining flavor.
Can I customize my Crispy Ground Beef Tacos?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, or sour cream. You can also use different cheeses for variety.
What is the best cheese for Crispy Ground Beef Tacos?
Oaxaca cheese provides a great melt, but you can also use Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese depending on your preference.
Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the tacos when you’re ready. Just remember not to bake them until serving!
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite ingredients, making them perfect for any night of the week. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy delicious homemade tacos that everyone will love!
Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are a fantastic weeknight dinner solution, ready in just 35 minutes. This recipe features crunchy tortillas stuffed with savory ground beef, melted cheese, and your choice of toppings, making them an instant favorite for both kids and adults. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, these tacos are not only satisfying but also incredibly versatile. Customize them with fresh ingredients like salsa or guacamole for an unforgettable meal that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 5 (2 tacos per serving)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 3/4 cup red enchilada sauce
- 2 1/2 cups Oaxaca cheese (or Monterey Jack)
- 10 corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and mix in taco seasoning and enchilada sauce; simmer and remove from heat.
- Warm corn tortillas in a damp paper towel in the microwave for 30–60 seconds until pliable.
- Brush one side of each tortilla with olive oil, place on a baking sheet oiled side down, and fill with cheese and beef; fold over.
- Bake for about 16 minutes until crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (150g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
