Ground Beef Baked Tacos Recipe

If there is one weeknight dinner that never fails to bring everyone to the table with a smile, it’s Ground Beef Baked Tacos. These crispy, melty, flavor-packed tacos combine savory ground beef, a zesty blend of spices, and heaps of gooey cheese all tucked inside warm corn tortillas. They’re baked, not fried, which means they’re easy to make and the clean-up is a breeze. Best of all, you get that perfect bite every time: textured, cheesy, and bursting with bold Mexican American flavors. Whether you’re feeding a family or a hungry crowd, these tacos will be gone before you know it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Ground Beef Baked Tacos lies in its simple, everyday ingredients. Each one delivers something special — from the juicy beef to the smoky spices and the irresistible cheese pull. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips to make them shine.

• Ground beef: The heart of the recipe; use 80/20 for juicy, flavorful taco filling.
• Salt: This simple staple balances all the spices and brings the beef’s flavor forward.
• Black pepper: Adds gentle warmth without overpowering the other seasonings.
• Chili powder: Bring on the rich, earthy “taco” flavor we all crave.
• Garlic powder: For that savory kick that sneaks into every bite.
• Smoked paprika: A smoky layer that elevates your filling, even if you skip the grill.
• Cumin: Essential for classic taco flavor and an aromatic, earthy note.
• Cayenne pepper powder: Just a pinch adds a lively warmth; adjust up or down to suit your heat level.
• Tomato paste: Thickens the meat and infuses every bite with umami depth.
• Water: Loosens the tomato paste and helps everything mix smoothly.
• Shredded Mexican cheese blend: Don’t skimp! This cheese delivers creamy, stretchy, golden goodness in every taco.
• Street taco size white corn tortillas: Small, tender tortillas get crisp and hold all those layers together while still being easy to eat.

How to Make Ground Beef Baked Tacos

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

To set yourself up for success, start by preheating your oven to 425F. While the oven’s working, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes for a super easy clean-up later. Gather all your ingredients — taco night goes smoother when everything’s ready to go!

Step 2: Mix the Spices and Tomato Paste

In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne. Stir them together so the flavors mingle nicely. In a separate dish, stir together the tomato paste with a spoonful of water to make it silky and easy to mix into the beef.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add your ground beef. Let it sizzle and start to brown for about 5 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Browning develops deep, meaty flavor and gives your tacos that irresistible texture.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Once the beef is browned, reduce the heat to medium-low. Sprinkle the mixed spices over the beef and pour in the prepared tomato paste. Stir everything together so each crumble is coated in that beautiful spice blend. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors can develop and combine — your kitchen should smell absolutely amazing right now!

Step 5: Fill and Cheese the Tortillas

On your prepared baking sheet, lay out 6 corn tortillas in a single layer. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded Mexican cheese on each tortilla. The cheese acts as a delicious “glue” and the base for all that taco goodness. Top one side of each tortilla with about 2 tablespoons of the seasoned ground beef mixture.

Step 6: Bake, Fold, and Crisp

Pop the baking sheet in the oven for about 3 minutes. This melts the cheese and warms the tortillas, making them pliable and easy to fold. Remove the tray, fold each tortilla in half over the filling, and press down gently. Toss them back into the oven for another 5 minutes to crisp up — they’ll turn beautifully golden and the cheese will get extra melty.

Step 7: Repeat and Enjoy!

Carefully take the baked tacos out of the oven, let them cool slightly, and repeat with the next batch of tortillas and filling. Once all your Ground Beef Baked Tacos are out, add your favorite toppings and dig in while they’re still warm and crispy. You just created a platter of taco happiness!

How to Serve Ground Beef Baked Tacos

Garnishes

The finishing touches make these tacos truly irresistible! I always set out bowls of fresh cilantro, diced onions, chopped tomatoes, avocado slices, and a few lime wedges. A dollop of sour cream, a spoonful of salsa, or some jalapeño slices will take your Ground Beef Baked Tacos to the next level. Let everyone customize their own plate — that’s half the fun!

Side Dishes

Round out your meal with sides that complement the bold flavors and textures of the tacos. Classic Mexican rice, creamy refried beans, or a simple corn salad work perfectly. Add a bowl of tortilla chips with guacamole or queso for a restaurant-style spread that’s sure to impress.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with how you serve up your Ground Beef Baked Tacos. Arrange them standing up in a taco rack for a festive party look, or stack them in a colorful casserole dish to keep them warm at the table. For a casual gathering, set up a DIY taco bar and let everyone build their own masterpiece with all the fixings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Ground Beef Baked Tacos keep beautifully. Let them cool completely, then wrap a few at a time in foil. Place the bundles in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They’ll make a fantastic lunch the next day!

Freezing

Planning ahead? These tacos freeze like a dream. Once the tacos are cool, wrap them in foil (three to a pack works well) and tuck them into a zip-top freezer bag. Pop them in the freezer and enjoy homemade tacos any night you please — they’ll keep for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

For maximum crunch, reheat Ground Beef Baked Tacos straight from frozen by opening the foil and baking at 250F for about 15 minutes. If you’re in a hurry or want a softer shell, microwave the tacos on a plate covered with a damp paper towel for 2–3 minutes. Either way, you’re back to cheesy, beefy goodness with almost no effort!

FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn for these Ground Beef Baked Tacos?

Absolutely! Street-size flour tortillas will work well and provide a softer, slightly different flavor profile. Just keep an eye on them as they bake, as they may crisp up a bit faster than corn.

How can I make these tacos less spicy?

Adjust the cayenne pepper to taste or leave it out entirely for a mild version. If you want to keep flavor without the heat, consider adding a dash more smoked paprika instead!

What’s the best cheese to use for Ground Beef Baked Tacos?

A Mexican cheese blend is perfect since it melts beautifully and has a mix of Monterey Jack, cheddar, and other creamy cheeses. Feel free to swap in Colby Jack or just shredded cheddar if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes, cooking the beef mixture up to two days ahead is a terrific time-saver. Simply store it in the fridge in an airtight container, then assemble and bake the tacos when you’re ready for dinner.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! This recipe scales easily. Just cook the ground beef in batches if your skillet isn’t very large, and bake the tacos in several rounds. Your guests will love you for it!

Final Thoughts

There’s really nothing quite like the magic of Ground Beef Baked Tacos — easy to make, full of flavor, and always a hit around the dinner table. Whether you keep them classic or get creative with toppings, I know your crowd will be asking for them again and again. Gather your favorite people, follow these simple steps, and enjoy taco night the way it’s meant to be!

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