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- 1 lb ground beef - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Taco seasoning options (packet or homemade) - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed - Tortilla options (corn or flour) - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) - Toppings (lettuce, sour cream, avocado, cilantro) Baked ground beef tacos are simple to make and full of flavor. You need fresh ingredients to build a great dish. Start with one pound of ground beef. This is the heart of your tacos. Use one tablespoon of olive oil to cook the beef. The oil helps keep the meat moist and adds taste. Next, you will chop one small onion and mince two cloves of garlic. These add depth and aroma to your filling. For flavor, grab a taco seasoning packet or make your own. If you choose to make it, mix one tablespoon of chili powder, one teaspoon of cumin, one teaspoon of paprika, and half a teaspoon of salt. Add one cup of diced tomatoes. You can use fresh or canned. They bring moisture and a bit of sweetness. Don’t forget about one cup of black beans. They are not only tasty but also add protein and fiber. For your tacos, select twelve small tortillas. You can use corn or flour based on your preference. Finally, choose one cup of shredded cheese. Cheddar or a Mexican blend works great for a cheesy topping. To finish, prepare toppings like shredded lettuce, sour cream, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro. These add freshness and color to your dish. Each ingredient plays an important role in making your baked ground beef tacos delicious. {{ingredient_image_2}} Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key because it helps cook the tacos evenly. If you skip this, the tacos may not crisp up as well. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 small, finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté these for 3-4 minutes until they smell great. Now, raise the heat to medium-high. Add 1 pound of ground beef and a packet of taco seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking the meat apart. Stir in 1 cup of diced tomatoes and 1 cup of black beans. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is hot. Take 12 small corn or flour tortillas. Spoon a good amount of the beef mix onto one half of each tortilla. Carefully fold them over. Press gently to hold the filling in place. Repeat until all tortillas are filled. Lightly grease a baking dish. Place the folded tacos seam-side down in the dish. You can fit them closely together. This helps them keep their shape while baking. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the tops of the tacos. Make sure they are well-covered for a cheesy finish. Now, place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You want the tortillas to be crispy and the cheese to melt and bubble. While the tacos bake, prepare your toppings. Shred 1 cup of lettuce into fine pieces. Dice 1 avocado into small cubes. This will add fresh flavor and great texture to your meal. To keep your tacos crispy, start with the right tortillas. Use small corn tortillas for a sturdy base. If you prefer flour tortillas, look for thicker ones. Before filling, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet. This step makes them more flexible and less likely to get soggy. After filling, place your tacos seam-side down in the baking dish. This helps them hold their shape. Bake them until the cheese melts and the edges crisp up. You can easily change the flavor of your tacos. If you like spice, add more chili powder or some cayenne. For a smoky flavor, try smoked paprika. You can also mix in some taco sauce or hot sauce for extra kick. If you want a fresh taste, add lime juice or fresh herbs like cilantro. Feel free to get creative with spices that you enjoy. To lower the fat or calorie content, swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken. These options still taste great but have less fat. You can also use low-fat cheese or skip the cheese altogether. Adding more veggies is a great way to boost nutrition. You can mix in bell peppers or zucchini with the beef. Also, consider using lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a lighter choice. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh produce, especially tomatoes and avocados, can elevate the flavor of your tacos significantly. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning or chili powder based on your preferred heat level. You can also add jalapeños for extra spice. Don’t Overfill the Tortillas: Ensure you don't overstuff your tortillas to prevent them from breaking while folding and baking. Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with various cheese blends, such as pepper jack or queso fresco, for a unique twist on flavor. {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of baked ground beef tacos. Instead of ground beef, try meat substitutes like lentils or mushrooms. You can also use black beans or pinto beans for protein. Here’s a simple mix: - 1 cup cooked lentils - 1 cup diced mushrooms - 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed These options keep the dish hearty and delicious. They absorb flavors well and add a nice texture. Cheese makes tacos even better. You can switch up the cheese for different tastes. Try using Monterey Jack for a mild flavor or pepper jack for some spice. Here are some great options: - Cheddar: Sharp and tangy - Mexican Blend: A mix of flavors - Feta: Crumbly and salty Choosing different cheeses can change the whole taco experience. Want to add some heat? A spicy version of baked ground beef tacos is easy to create. You can add jalapeños for a fresh kick or use hot sauce for extra flavor. Consider these options: - Fresh jalapeños, sliced - Pickled jalapeños for tang - Hot sauce mixed with beef Adding heat can make your tacos exciting and fun. Just be careful not to overdo it! To keep your baked ground beef tacos fresh, follow these steps: - Cool Down: Let the tacos cool to room temperature. - Refrigerate: Place them in an airtight container. They can stay in the fridge for up to three days. - Freeze: For longer storage, wrap the tacos tightly in foil or plastic wrap. They can last for about two months in the freezer. These methods help keep the flavors intact and prevent sogginess. To reheat your tacos and keep them crispy: - Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tacos on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. - Air Fryer Method: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Reheat for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the tortillas soggy. Baked ground beef tacos have a good shelf life when stored properly: - Refrigerated: They last for about three days. - Frozen: They can be stored for two months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. Enjoy your tasty tacos! Yes, you can freeze baked ground beef tacos. After baking, let them cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, just take them out and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. This keeps the tortillas crisp while warming the filling. You can add many tasty items to your taco filling. Here are some great options: - Corn for a sweet crunch - Bell peppers for extra color and flavor - Jalapeños if you want some heat - Cooked rice for more bulk - Zucchini or mushrooms for a veggie boost These additions make your tacos even more delicious and fun! Making these tacos is quick and easy. The prep time is about 15 minutes. Cooking them takes around 20 minutes in the oven. Overall, you can have a tasty meal ready in just 35 minutes. This makes baked ground beef tacos a great choice for busy nights! You now have a complete guide to making baked ground beef tacos. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips to get the best results. Remember to customize your tacos with your favorite toppings and fillings. You can also try different cheese or spice levels for added taste. Enjoy your delicious homemade tacos, and don’t forget to store leftovers properly. With these techniques, you’ll impress anyone who's lucky enough to try your tacos!

Baked Ground Beef Tacos

Delicious baked tacos filled with seasoned ground beef, beans, and topped with cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, and ½ teaspoon salt for homemade)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 12 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 1 cup lettuce, shredded
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 1 whole avocado, diced
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the ground beef along with the taco seasoning. Cook, breaking the meat apart, for about 5-7 minutes or until the beef is thoroughly browned. Stir in the diced tomatoes and black beans, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is hot and combined.
  • For each taco, take a tortilla and spoon a generous portion of the beef mixture onto one half. Carefully fold the tortilla over to enclose the filling, pressing gently to secure it in place. Repeat this process until all tortillas are filled and folded.
  • Lightly grease a baking dish. Place the folded tacos seam-side down in the dish. Feel free to snugly fit them together, as this will help them maintain their shape during baking.
  • Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese over the tops of the arranged tacos, ensuring a generous layer for a delightful cheesy finish.
  • Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tortillas turn slightly crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • While the tacos are baking, take the opportunity to prepare your toppings. Chop the lettuce into fine shreds and dice the avocado into small cubes.
  • Once out of the oven, allow the baked tacos to cool for a couple of minutes before serving. Present them alongside bowls of shredded lettuce, diced avocado, dollops of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, if desired.

Notes

Feel free to customize toppings as desired.
Keyword baked, beef, easy, tacos