Name: Ground Beef Baked Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp cumin; 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper powder; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp water; 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend; 12 street taco size white corn tortillas (about 5.5″ in diameter)

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Introduction

These Ground Beef Baked Tacos are a delicious twist on a classic favorite, offering crispy, cheesy shells filled with savory seasoned beef. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, they’re easy to prepare and full of bold flavor.

The close-up image shows a folded white tortilla with a crispy, slightly browned texture on top. Inside, there are two visible layers: a melted, bright orange cheese layer at the bottom that is oozing out slightly, and a thick layer of cooked, crumbly brown meat above the cheese. The folded tortilla rests on a white marbled surface stained with melted cheese drips around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cumin
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper powder
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp water
3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
12 street taco size white corn tortillas (about 5.5″ in diameter)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper powder.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the tomato paste and water, then set aside.
Step 4: Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add the ground beef.
Step 5: Let the beef brown for about 5 minutes, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
Step 6: Reduce heat to medium-low, add the spice mixture and the tomato paste mixture to the pan.
Step 7: Stir well and sauté until the beef is completely cooked and the flavors are combined, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 8: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay 6 corn tortillas on it. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over each tortilla.
Step 9: Place about 2 tablespoons of the seasoned taco meat on one half of each cheese-covered tortilla.
Step 10: Bake in the oven for 3 minutes until the cheese begins to melt.
Step 11: Remove from the oven, fold each tortilla in half over the filling, and gently press to keep them folded.
Step 12: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp the tacos and fully melt the cheese.
Step 13: Remove the tacos and repeat steps 8–12 with the remaining 6 tortillas and filling.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, lightly brush the tortillas with oil before adding cheese and bake.
Try adding diced onions or jalapeños to the beef mixture for added flavor and heat.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Serve with fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, avocado, or a squeeze of lime.

Storage

Store leftover baked tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to maintain their texture.

How to Serve

Six small white tortillas are laid flat on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, each topped with two layers: a shredded cheese layer that is a mix of white and yellow cheese covering half the tortilla, and next to it, a layer of cooked ground meat with a rich brown color and crumbly texture. The tortillas are evenly spaced in two rows of three, with the cheese on the right side and the meat on the left side on each tortilla. The baking tray has a dark, rustic texture with some wear marks, and the background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use soft tortillas instead of street-size corn tortillas?

Soft tortillas can be used, but they may not hold their shape as well when baked. Street-size corn tortillas provide the perfect balance of size and sturdiness for folding and crisping.

How do I make these tacos vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with seasoned cooked lentils, chopped mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute. Cook them with the same spices and tomato paste for similar flavor.