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A close-up shows golden-brown, crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos ready to be served as a delicious and easy weeknight meal.

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!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
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.