Ground Beef Baked Tacos are a fun and tasty twist on the classic taco night. They’re filled with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings baked right inside crispy taco shells. The baking step gives the tacos a nice crunch and helps the cheese get perfectly gooey.
I love making these when I want something a little different but still easy and quick to prepare. It’s so nice to have everything baked together because it means less mess and less time standing over the stove. Plus, the flavors mix really well in the oven, making each bite super flavorful and satisfying.
My favorite way to serve these baked tacos is with some fresh salsa, sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top. They’re great for family dinners or casual get-togethers, and everyone always asks for seconds. If you want to add a little extra fun, try topping them with sliced avocado or a squeeze of lime—those little touches make all the difference!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish. I usually choose 80/20 beef for a good balance of flavor and juiciness. For a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, use seasoned lentils or plant-based crumbles.
Taco Seasoning: Pre-made taco seasoning packets are easy and flavorful. If you prefer control over ingredients, mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder yourself. It’s fresh and you can adjust the spice level.
Hard Taco Shells: Corn shells give that classic crunch, but flour shells work if you want something softer. You can also use small taco-size tortillas and bake them folded to hold their shape.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts well and gives plenty of flavor. You can also try Monterey Jack for a milder taste, or a Mexican cheese blend for variety.
Toppings: Fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and green onions add crunch and freshness. Sour cream cools the spices nicely. Feel free to swap in avocado or guacamole for creaminess or salsa for extra zest.
How Do You Keep Taco Shells Crispy When Baking?
Baking taco shells filled with beef and cheese can get tricky because the shells might soften or break.
- Arrange shells firmly in a baking dish so they stay upright.
- Don’t overfill; too much filling adds moisture that softens shells.
- Bake just long enough for cheese to melt and shells to get crispy—about 8-10 minutes at 375°F.
- If shells soften too fast, try pre-baking them empty for 3-4 minutes to get a head start on crisping.
These tips help keep your tacos crunchy and tasty after baking, making every bite enjoyable.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – I like a big one for browning the beef evenly and making sure everything cooks smoothly.
- Oven-safe baking dish – a 9×13-inch dish works well to hold the tacos upright and bake evenly.
- Spatula or cooking spoon – helps break up and stir the beef as it cooks, making sure it’s evenly seasoned.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for the seasonings and toppings, so everything stays just right.
- Baking sheet or foil – optional, to line the dish or catch drips for easy cleanup.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein swap: Use cooked shredded chicken or turkey to change the flavor or make it leaner.
- Cheese options: Try Monterey Jack, pepperjack, or a blend of cheeses for different tastes and melty textures.
- Extra veggies: Add sautéed peppers, corn, or black beans for more color, crunch, and nutrition.
- Spice it up: Mix in chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for more heat and flavor.
Ground Beef Baked Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or about 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 2/3 cup water
- 12 hard taco shells (corn or flour, as preferred)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for cooking)
- Optional: salsa, avocado slices, cilantro for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the beef filling, plus 10 minutes to bake the tacos in the oven. So, you can expect to spend around 20 minutes total from start to finish—quick and simple!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat if using. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned all over. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Season the Meat:
Stir in taco seasoning and water. Lower the heat and let the beef mixture simmer for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally. This will let the flavors meld and the liquid thicken slightly.
3. Prepare Tacos for Baking:
Stand the taco shells upright in a baking dish. Fill each shell evenly with the seasoned ground beef, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously on top of the meat.
4. Bake and Add Toppings:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts and shells are crispy. Remove from oven and top each taco with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions. Drizzle sour cream over the top or serve it on the side. Add any optional toppings you like, such as salsa, avocado slices, or cilantro. Serve right away and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Avoid cooking frozen beef straight from the freezer as it won’t brown properly and may release too much moisture.
Can I Make These Tacos Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the seasoned beef filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, fill the taco shells and bake as directed. It helps save time on busy days!
How Should I Store Leftover Baked Tacos?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F until the cheese melts and tacos are heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the shells crispy.
Can I Substitute Hard Taco Shells with Soft Tortillas?
Absolutely! Soft tortillas work well too. You can fill them with the beef mixture and cheese, then bake or warm them until the cheese melts. Just watch closely as soft shells heat faster and may not need as long in the oven.
