Crispy Oven Baked Tacos with Taco Bell Copycat Beef Recipe
Enjoy these Crispy Oven Baked Tacos, a delicious Taco Bell copycat recipe featuring seasoned ground beef baked in corn tortillas until perfectly crispy. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and customizable fresh toppings, these tacos make a fantastic main course for family meals or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup bone broth or beef broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Tacos and Toppings
- 8 corn tortillas
- Cooking spray
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
- Toppings of your choice such as shredded lettuce, diced onion, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, jalapeño slices, cotija cheese, cilantro, lime, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up using a potato masher or spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 5 minutes.
- Add Seasoning: Mix in the tomato paste, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, sea salt, sugar, bone broth, and cornstarch. Stir continuously and cook for 3-4 minutes until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the mixture has thickened. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Tortillas: Spray both sides of each corn tortilla evenly with cooking spray and arrange them slightly overlapping on the prepared baking sheet.
- Assemble Tacos: Spoon approximately 1/4 cup of the seasoned beef onto one side of each tortilla, then generously sprinkle 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese over the beef.
- Bake First Phase: Bake the open-faced tacos in the preheated oven for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and tortillas to soften.
- Fold and Continue Baking: Carefully fold the empty side of each tortilla over the filling, pressing firmly to ensure the cheese acts as a glue. Return the tacos to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the tortillas are crisp and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove tacos from the oven and serve hot with your favorite toppings such as lettuce, diced onion, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, jalapeños, cotija cheese, cilantro, and lime slices. The tacos can be gently opened to add extra fillings if desired.
Notes
- This recipe is great for making a large batch of tacos that are crispy and kid-friendly.
- You may substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version.
- Using a potato masher to finely break up the meat emulates authentic Taco Bell-style taco meat texture.
- Baking the tacos open-faced first melts the cheese and softens tortillas, allowing them to be folded without cracking.
- You can use pre-made taco seasoning instead of the homemade spice blend if you prefer.
- Serve tacos with sides like refried beans, black beans, Mexican rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to crisp them back up.
