Make these delicious Ground Beef Baked Tacos for a simple dinner or a gathering! This recipe is perfect for taco night with family or friends. The unique combination of spices and cheese creates a flavor-packed meal that everyone will love. Plus, they are easy to prepare, making them a go-to choice for busy weekdays or festive occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These tacos come together in just 25 minutes, which is perfect for a busy weeknight.
- Flavorful Filling: The blend of spices, including chili powder and cumin, gives the ground beef a delicious kick that elevates the dish.
- Cheesy Goodness: With three cups of shredded Mexican cheese blend, each bite is rich and satisfying.
- Versatile Option: You can customize your toppings to suit your taste—add salsa, guacamole, or fresh veggies!
- Great for Sharing: Perfect for gatherings; these baked tacos can be made in batches to feed a crowd.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools and prepare your kitchen. Having everything ready will make the cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Frying pan
- Bowls for mixing
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Essential for holding all the tacos while they bake evenly in the oven.
- Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier after baking.
- Frying pan: Ideal for browning the ground beef and mixing in the flavorful spices.
Ingredients
Make these delicious ground beef baked tacos for a simple dinner or a gathering!
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper powder
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp water
- 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 12 street taco size white corn tortillas (about 5.5 in diameter)
How to Make Ground Beef Baked Tacos
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your tacos bake perfectly crispy.
Step 2: Prepare the Spice Mix
In a small bowl, combine the following:
1. Salt
2. Black pepper
3. Chili powder
4. Garlic powder
5. Smoked paprika
6. Cumin
7. Cayenne pepper powder
Mix well and set aside.
Step 3: Mix Tomato Paste and Water
In another bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of tomato paste with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. Set this aside as well.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat your frying pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes:
– Break it apart into crumbles as it cooks.
– Ensure it’s browned evenly.
Step 5: Add Spices and Tomato Mixture
Once browned, reduce heat to medium-low:
– Add your spice mixture from Step 2.
– Pour in the tomato paste mixture.
– Stir everything together thoroughly and sauté until fully cooked (around 2-3 minutes).
Step 6: Assemble Tacos on Baking Sheet
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper:
– Place 6 corn taco shells on one side of the baking sheet.
– Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over each shell.
Repeat this step twice to prepare all baked tacos.
Step 7: Fill Tacos with Meat
On one side of each taco shell:
– Place about 2 tablespoons of seasoned meat mixture.
Step 8: Bake Tacos
Place the baking sheet in the oven:
– Bake for about 3 minutes until cheese melts.
Step 9: Fold Tacos
Remove from oven:
– Carefully fold each taco in half.
– Press down lightly to keep them folded.
Step 10: Final Bake
Return to oven:
– Cook for an additional 5 minutes until golden.
Step 11: Repeat
Repeat Steps 6-10 with remaining ingredients until all tacos are baked.
Step 12: Cool and Serve
Allow tacos to cool slightly before adding desired toppings like salsa or guacamole. Enjoy!
How to Serve Ground Beef Baked Tacos
Ground beef baked tacos are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, these tacos can be paired with a variety of toppings and sides to enhance their flavor.
Classic Toppings
- Lettuce – Shredded romaine or iceberg adds crunch and freshness.
- Tomatoes – Diced fresh tomatoes bring juiciness and color.
- Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances spices.
- Salsa – Fresh or store-bought salsa provides a zesty kick.
- Avocado – Sliced avocado or guacamole gives richness to the tacos.
Creative Additions
- Pickled Jalapeños – For those who love heat, pickled jalapeños add spice and tang.
- Chopped Cilantro – Fresh cilantro enhances the flavor profile with its aromatic notes.
- Olives – Sliced black or green olives can add a briny touch that complements the beef.
Pairing Suggestions
- Lime Wedges – A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the flavors.
- Hot Sauce – Offer a variety of hot sauces for those who enjoy extra heat.
How to Perfect Ground Beef Baked Tacos
Making ground beef baked tacos is simple, but there are tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh tortillas and high-quality cheese lead to better texture and taste.
- Don’t Overfill Tacos – Filling them too much can cause breakage; stick to 2 tablespoons of meat per taco.
- Preheat the Oven Properly – Ensure your oven is fully preheated to achieve crispy shells.
- Experiment with Cheese Types – Try different cheese blends like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for unique flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef Baked Tacos
Pairing side dishes with ground beef baked tacos can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious options that complement the main dish.
- Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice seasoned with spices makes a great base alongside your tacos.
- Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans add protein and richness to your plate.
- Corn Salsa – A fresh corn salsa adds sweetness and crunch; it’s easy to make with canned corn.
- Guacamole – Creamy guacamole is perfect for scooping up with leftover tortillas or chips.
- Chips and Salsa – Crispy tortilla chips paired with salsa provide a delightful crunch before the meal.
- Grilled Vegetables – Seasoned grilled peppers, zucchini, and onions add a healthy touch to your dinner spread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making ground beef baked tacos can be a simple process, but there are some common mistakes that can affect your dish’s quality.
- Using cold ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for even cooking and better flavor integration.
- Skipping the spices: Don’t underestimate the power of seasoning. Ensure you use all the spices listed for a flavorful taco experience.
- Not browning the beef properly: Allow ground beef to brown completely before adding other ingredients. This creates depth in flavor.
- Overstuffing the tacos: Filling tacos too much can lead to messy results. Stick to the recommended amount of taco meat.
- Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your tacos while they bake. Overcooking can make them tough and dry.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store baked tacos in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.
Freezing Ground Beef Baked Tacos
- Freeze assembled but unbaked tacos in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Wrap each taco in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil for better protection.
Reheating Ground Beef Baked Tacos
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking regularly to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warmed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions regarding ground beef baked tacos, you’ll find answers below.
What can I use instead of ground beef for baked tacos?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier version.
Can I make ground beef baked tacos ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and assemble the tacos in advance. Just bake them when ready to serve.
How do I customize my ground beef baked tacos?
Feel free to add different toppings like avocado, salsa, or sour cream. You can also try various cheeses for extra flavor.
Are ground beef baked tacos gluten-free?
If you use corn tortillas and ensure no other gluten-containing ingredients are included, then yes!
Final Thoughts
Ground beef baked tacos are not only delicious but also versatile, making them ideal for any dinner or gathering. You can easily customize them with your favorite toppings or substitute meat according to your preferences. Give this recipe a try—it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ground Beef Baked Tacos
Indulge in the delightful convenience of Ground Beef Baked Tacos, a perfect solution for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. These scrumptious bites feature seasoned ground beef nestled in crispy corn tortillas and topped with a generous amount of melted cheese. The unique blend of spices—chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika—creates a flavor explosion that will please everyone around the table. Not only are these tacos quick to prepare, but they also allow for endless customization with your favorite toppings like guacamole, salsa, and fresh veggies. Whether for taco night or a casual dinner party, these baked tacos are sure to be a hit!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6 (2 tacos each) 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper powder
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp water
- 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 12 street taco size white corn tortillas (about 5.5" in diameter)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, mix salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
- In another bowl, combine tomato paste and water until smooth.
- Brown the ground beef in a frying pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
- Add the spice mix and tomato mixture to the browned beef; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; place tacos on it and fill them with meat mixture and shredded cheese.
- Bake for about 8 minutes until cheese melts and tortillas are crispy.
- Cool slightly before adding toppings of your choice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco (85g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
