EASY BAKED GROUND BEEF TACOS

I’ll never forget the night my college roommate, bless her heart, tried to make tacos for the first time – the filling ended up more like a watery soup than anything remotely edible, and we ordered pizza instead. But fear not, friend! These Baked Ground Beef Tacos are a guaranteed success, banishing any taco-making fears to the realm of culinary nightmares, and promising you a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that’s ready in a flash.

Why Baked Ground Beef Tacos Are a Weeknight Winner

Let’s be honest, after a long day, the last thing anyone wants is a complicated, multi-step cooking process. That’s where these baked tacos swoop in to save the day. They’re incredibly easy to make, require minimal cleanup, and are endlessly customizable to suit everyone’s tastes. Forget standing over a hot stove flipping individual tortillas – baking them in the oven creates a crispy, evenly cooked shell that holds all the deliciousness without falling apart. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back.

The Secret to Seriously Delicious Ground Beef Taco Filling

The heart and soul of any taco is the filling, and this ground beef taco filling is packed with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground Beef: I usually opt for 80/20 ground beef because it has enough fat to keep the filling moist and flavorful. You can use leaner ground beef if you prefer, but you might need to add a little extra oil to the pan while browning.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are essential for building a solid flavor base. Dice the onion finely so it cooks evenly and mince the garlic for maximum flavor impact.
• Taco Seasoning: You can use store-bought taco seasoning (I like to have a packet on hand for busy weeknights), or you can make your own. Homemade taco seasoning is surprisingly easy and allows you to control the sodium and spice levels. I’ll share my favorite recipe below.
• Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add moisture and a touch of acidity to the filling. You can use plain diced tomatoes, or fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky flavor.
• Tomato Paste: A little tomato paste adds richness and depth of flavor.
• Water or Beef Broth: This helps to create a saucy, flavorful filling.

My Go-To Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

Okay, here’s the recipe for my signature taco seasoning blend. It’s so much better than store-bought, and you probably already have most of the spices in your pantry:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Simply combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and store in an airtight container. This recipe makes enough for about one pound of ground beef.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Perfect Ground Beef Tacos

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s how to make these delicious baked tacos:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy tacos!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it will taste bitter.

Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients

Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and water (or beef broth). Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This is your chance to make it truly your own! Maybe a pinch more cumin? A dash of hot sauce?

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the tacos from sticking.

Warm your taco shells slightly according to package directions. This makes them more pliable and less likely to crack. Stand the taco shells up on the prepared baking sheet. Fill each taco shell with the ground beef mixture. Don’t overfill them, or they will be difficult to handle.

Step 5: Bake the Tacos

Bake the tacos for 10-12 minutes, or until the shells are crispy and golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly. The cheese, if you’re adding it, should be melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Add Your Favorite Toppings

Remove the tacos from the oven and let them cool slightly before adding your favorite toppings. The possibilities are endless! Here are some of my go-to toppings:

• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Guacamole or avocado slices
• Salsa
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced onions
• Jalapeños (for a spicy kick)

Tips and Tricks for the Best Baked Ground Beef Tacos Ever

Okay, now that you know the basics, let’s talk about some tips and tricks to take your baked ground beef tacos to the next level:

• Don’t Overfill the Tacos: This is a common mistake that can lead to soggy tacos. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the shell so the toppings don’t spill out.
• Warm the Taco Shells: Warming the taco shells makes them more pliable and less likely to crack. You can warm them in the oven, microwave, or even on a dry skillet.
• Use a Taco Holder: Taco holders are a lifesaver when it comes to assembling and baking tacos. They keep the tacos upright and prevent them from tipping over.
• Cheese Placement: If you are adding cheese, put a small amount in the shell before the meat. This will help hold everything together. Then, add more cheese on top of the meat before baking.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings! Try adding some grilled corn, black beans, or even some crumbled bacon.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or black beans for a vegetarian option.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture for a spicier taco.
• Make Ahead: You can make the ground beef filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before assembling the tacos.
• Freezer Friendly: Leftover ground beef filling can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Troubleshooting Common Taco-Making Problems

Even with the best recipes, sometimes things can go wrong in the kitchen. Here are some common taco-making problems and how to fix them:

• Soggy Taco Shells: This is usually caused by overfilling the tacos or using too much liquid in the filling. Make sure to drain off any excess grease from the ground beef and use a slotted spoon to transfer the filling to the taco shells. Also, avoid adding watery toppings like salsa or sour cream until just before serving.
• Cracked Taco Shells: This is usually caused by using cold or brittle taco shells. Warm the taco shells slightly before filling them to make them more pliable.
• Dry Ground Beef Filling: This is usually caused by using lean ground beef or overcooking the filling. Use 80/20 ground beef for a more flavorful and moist filling. You can also add a little extra water or beef broth to the filling if it seems too dry.
• Bland Taco Filling: This is usually caused by not using enough taco seasoning or not allowing the flavors to meld together. Be sure to use a generous amount of taco seasoning and simmer the filling for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Variations on Baked Ground Beef Tacos

The beauty of tacos is that they are so versatile! Here are a few variations to try:

• Chicken Tacos: Substitute the ground beef with shredded chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option.
• Pork Tacos: Use shredded pork shoulder or carnitas for a delicious and flavorful taco.
• Fish Tacos: Use grilled or pan-fried fish for a light and refreshing taco. Top with a creamy slaw and a squeeze of lime.
• Shrimp Tacos: Use grilled or sautéed shrimp for a quick and easy taco. Top with a mango salsa and a drizzle of chipotle mayo.
• Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos: Roast sweet potatoes and combine them with black beans for a vegetarian taco that’s packed with flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Ground Beef Tacos

These Baked Ground Beef Tacos are a complete meal on their own, but here are a few side dishes that would complement them perfectly:

• Mexican Rice: A classic side dish that’s perfect for soaking up all the delicious taco juices.
• Refried Beans: Another classic side dish that’s creamy and flavorful.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a simple and delicious side dish.
• Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds a nice contrast to the rich and savory tacos.
• Guacamole and Chips: A must-have appetizer for any taco night!

Baked Ground Beef Tacos Recipe

Alright, here’s the full recipe for these amazing Baked Ground Beef Tacos:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 cup water or beef broth
• 12 taco shells
• Shredded cheese (optional)
• Your favorite toppings (shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and water (or beef broth). Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Warm taco shells slightly according to package directions.
6. Stand the taco shells up on the prepared baking sheet. Fill each taco shell with the ground beef mixture.
7. Sprinkle cheese on top, if using.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shells are crispy and golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly (if using).
9. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before adding your favorite toppings.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

This will vary depending on the ingredients you use and the portion sizes.

• Calories: Approximately 300-400 per taco
• Protein: 20-25 grams
• Fat: 15-20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – everything you need to make the perfect Baked Ground Beef Tacos. This recipe is simple, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a family of four or hosting a taco party, these tacos are sure to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and variations to create your own signature taco. And most importantly, have fun in the kitchen!

Easy Baked Ground Beef Tacos

These Easy Baked Ground Beef Tacos are a weeknight winner, offering a quick and customizable meal with minimal cleanup. Baking the tacos creates crispy, evenly cooked shells that hold all the delicious ground beef filling and your favorite toppings without falling apart. Perfect for family dinners or taco parties!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef 80/20
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 cup water or beef broth
• 12 taco shells
• Shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Guacamole or avocado slices
• Sals a
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced onions

Equipment

• large skillet
• Spoon
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• knife
• cutting board
• baking sheet
• Cooking spray or parchment paper
• Oven
• Taco holder (optional)

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and water (or beef broth). Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
5. Warm taco shells slightly according to package directions. This makes them more pliable and less likely to crack.
6. Stand the taco shells up on the prepared baking sheet. Fill each taco shell with the ground beef mixture. Don’t overfill them.
7. Sprinkle cheese on top, if using.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shells are crispy and golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly (if using).
9. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before adding your favorite toppings.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For a spicier taco, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture. The ground beef filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Leftover tacos are best enjoyed immediately, as the shells can become soggy. To prevent soggy taco shells, drain off any excess grease from the ground beef and warm the taco shells before filling.