– **Title**: Ground Beef Baked Tacos
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 packet taco seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
– 1/4 cup water
– 12 taco shells
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup lettuce, shredded
– 1 cup tomatoes, diced
– 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
– 1/4 cup salsa (optional)
– Olive oil (for greasing the pan)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, mixing well. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Grease a baking dish with olive oil. Arrange the taco shells upright in the dish.
7. Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each taco shell.
8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the filled taco shells.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa as desired before serving. Enjoy your baked tacos!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: Use 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juicy tacos. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken works well, too. For a vegetarian option, consider black beans or lentils.
Onion: A small yellow onion is perfect for this dish. If you need to avoid onions, try diced bell peppers for sweetness or even green onions for a milder flavor.
Taco seasoning: Pre-packaged seasoning is easy, but homemade is often tastier! Mix 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, and ¼ tsp garlic powder for a balanced blend. You can adjust based on your spice preference.
Corn tortillas: These give the best flavor and texture. If you prefer a gluten-free option, corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free. Flour tortillas can also be used for a softer taco.
Cheese: I usually go for cheddar, which melts beautifully. A cheese blend is also a good choice for more flavor; just ensure it’s well shredded to melt easily.
How Do You Get Crispy Baked Tacos?
Crispy tacos can be tricky, but following a few simple tips can make all the difference! Here’s how to achieve perfect crunch without burning your tacos:
- After building your tacos, brush the outside tortilla with a bit of oil to promote crispiness.
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 375°F (190°C) before baking.
- Use parchment paper on your baking sheet. This prevents sticking and promotes even browning.
- Keep an eye on them in the oven; if they’re golden before the time is up, take them out early to avoid over-baking.
Let them cool a few minutes before digging in, as this helps them set and become even crispier. Enjoy your delicious tacos!
How to Make Ground Beef Baked Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/2 cup water
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a cheese blend)
- 1 cup salsa (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Sliced jalapeños (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to bake, for a total of about 25 minutes from start to finish. In no time, you can enjoy delicious, warm baked tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for baking your tacos.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced onion. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until you can smell its lovely aroma.
3. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it while breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Make sure to drain any excess fat so your tacos won’t be greasy.
4. Add Seasoning:
Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken just a little. This will pack your tacos with flavor!
5. Assemble the Tacos:
On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, lay out 4 corn tortillas. Top each tortilla with a layer of cheese, followed by a generous spoonful of the beef mixture, and then finish with more cheese on top.
6. Add the Top Tortillas:
Place another tortilla on each taco and press down gently to hold everything together. If you want a crispy texture, you can brush the tops with a bit of oil.
7. Bake the Tacos:
Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. The tortillas will turn golden and crispy, and the cheese will melt beautifully!
8. Cool and Add Toppings:
Once baked, let the tacos cool for a couple of minutes. If you like, top them with salsa and chopped fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your baked tacos warm with a side of sour cream and sliced jalapeños. Enjoy your delicious meal with family or friends!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly and drain any excess fat or liquid to avoid a soggy texture.
What Can I Use Instead of Corn Tortillas?
If you can’t find corn tortillas or prefer another option, you can use flour tortillas instead. Just keep in mind that they might not be as crispy as corn tortillas. If you want added crunch, you can also use taco shells or even make mini quesadillas!
How to Store Leftover Baked Tacos?
Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain the crispiness of the tortillas.
Can I Freeze These Baked Tacos?
Yes, you can freeze them! Allow the baked tacos to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
