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Ground Beef Baked Tacos Recipe

4.5 from 612 reviews

These Ground Beef Baked Tacos are a delicious and easy twist on a classic taco night. Ground beef is seasoned with a savory blend of spices, cooked to perfection, and combined with melted cheese in crispy baked corn tortillas. Ready in under 30 minutes, they deliver a warm, cheesy, and flavorful Mexican-inspired meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Seasonings

  • 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

Additional Ingredients

  • 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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it ready for baking the tacos.
  2. Mix Spices: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper powder. Set the seasoning mix aside.
  3. Prepare Tomato Paste Mixture: Mix the tomato paste and water in a separate small bowl. Set it aside for use when cooking the beef.
  4. Brown Ground Beef: Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it into crumbles as it browns.
  5. Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the prepared seasoning mix and tomato paste mixture to the beef. Stir and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and well combined with the spices.
  6. Assemble Tacos: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay 6 street taco size corn tortillas flat on the sheet. Spread shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over each tortilla. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cooked taco meat on one side of each cheese-covered tortilla.
  7. Bake First Round: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 3 minutes to melt the cheese slightly.
  8. Fold Tacos: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Carefully fold each taco in half, pressing down lightly to ensure they hold their shape.
  9. Bake to Crisp: Return the folded tacos to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the edges are crispy and the cheese is melted.
  10. Repeat for Remaining Tacos: Remove tacos from the oven, then repeat the assembly and baking process for the remaining 6 tortillas and filling.

Notes

  • Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the level of heat according to your taste.
  • For a crispier taco shell, you can bake a little longer, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
  • Shredded Mexican cheese blend typically includes cheddar, Monterey Jack, and others for a balanced flavor.
  • Serve these baked tacos with fresh toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, sour cream, or salsa for added flavor.

Keywords: ground beef tacos, baked tacos, Mexican tacos, easy dinner recipe, cheesy tacos, street tacos