Name: Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef (90%); 1 packet of taco seasoning; ¾ cup red enchilada sauce; 2 ½ cups Oaxaca cheese, Mexican cheese, or Monterey Jack cheese; 10 corn tortillas; 1 tbsp olive oil

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Crispy ground beef tacos are a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a deliciously seasoned beef filling, melted cheese, and perfectly crispy tortillas, these tacos are easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner or a taco night with friends, they’re sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These crispy ground beef tacos are a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The crispy tortillas provide the perfect crunch, while the savory beef, creamy cheese, and a touch of enchilada sauce bring layers of flavor to every bite. It’s a quick and simple recipe that’s ready in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you want something tasty yet easy to prepare. Plus, this recipe is highly customizable – you can tweak the fillings or toppings to suit your taste!
Crispy Ground Beef Tacos

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (90%)
1 packet of taco seasoning
¾ cup red enchilada sauce
2 ½ cups Oaxaca cheese or Mexican cheese or Monterey Jack
10 corn tortillas
1 tbs olive oil

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat oven to 450°F.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat.
Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30–60 seconds until pliable.
Brush one side of each tortilla with olive oil. Place the tortilla on a baking sheet, oiled side down. Add 2 tablespoons of cheese to half of the tortilla, top with ¼ cup of beef, then add 2 more tablespoons of cheese. Fold the tortilla over the filling.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas and arrange the tacos in a single layer on your baking sheet.
Bake for 16 minutes, or until tortillas are crispy and cheese is melted.
Let tacos cool for 3 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10 tacos
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Add vegetables: You can add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños to the beef mixture for added flavor.
Make it spicy: Use a spicy taco seasoning or add diced fresh chilies to the beef for extra heat.
Use flour tortillas: If you prefer, you can substitute corn tortillas with flour tortillas for a softer texture.
Swap out the cheese: Monterey Jack cheese can be replaced with cheddar or a blend of your favorite cheeses.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crispy tortillas may lose some of their crunch when stored, but the tacos will still taste great.
Reheating: Reheat the tacos in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up, or you can microwave them for 20–30 seconds if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lean alternative to ground beef. The flavor will be lighter, but it will still work great.

2. Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the tacos ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat!

3. How can I make the tacos gluten-free?

To make the tacos gluten-free, use gluten-free corn tortillas. Make sure the taco seasoning packet is also gluten-free, as some may contain wheat.

4. Can I bake the tacos in a different type of pan?

Yes, you can use a ceramic or non-stick baking sheet, but avoid using foil as it may cause the tortillas to stick.

5. How do I keep the tacos crispy after baking?

Let the tacos cool for a few minutes after baking, which will help maintain their crispiness. If you store them, the tortillas may soften, but they’ll still taste delicious.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! You can substitute Oaxaca cheese with Mexican blend cheese or even sharp cheddar, depending on your preference.

7. Can I freeze the tacos for later?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled tacos before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then bake directly from frozen at 450°F for about 20 minutes.

8. Can I add sour cream to these tacos?

Sour cream is a great topping! It adds a creamy element that complements the tacos’ flavors perfectly.

9. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, flour tortillas will work well for these tacos, though they won’t be as crispy as the corn tortillas.

10. What other toppings can I add to these tacos?

You can top the tacos with salsa, guacamole, lettuce, diced tomatoes, cilantro, or even a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.

Conclusion

These crispy ground beef tacos are a perfect combination of crunch, flavor, and convenience. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a meal that’s both delicious and satisfying. Whether you enjoy them with a variety of toppings or as is, these tacos are sure to be a hit with your family and friends!