Crispy Baked Beef Tacos

crispy beef tacos topped with avocado slices and sour cream

When Crispy Baked Beef Tacos are on the menu for taco night, the whole family gets extra excited! Filled with seasoned meat and melted cheese, then baked to crispy, crunchy perfection, this recipe is way better than the fast food version. Add your favorite toppings for an easy dinner that can be on the table in less than 30 minutes.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings tacos

Calories 198

Author Kim

Ingredients

1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef (or any preferred ground meat)
1 small onion finely chopped
2 jalapeño peppers seeded and finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 packet McCormick® Original Taco Seasoning Mix or McCormick® 30% Less Sodium Taco Seasoning Mix or another favorite taco seasoning
3 tablespoons tomato paste
12 hard taco shells or corn tortillas (see note)
2 cups shredded Mexican or cheddar cheese
Optional for topping: guacamole, avocado, sour cream, salsa, fresh cilantro

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over high heat. When hot, add the ground beef, onion, jalapeño and garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat as it cooks, until the beef is browned, about 5 minutes. Drain fat, as needed. Add the taco seasoning mix, tomato paste and 3/4 cup water. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat.
Line the taco shells up on a sheet pan or in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Transfer to the oven and bake 5 minutes. Evenly divide the meat among each taco shell and top with cheese. Bake 10 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
Serve the tacos topped with any favorite taco toppings.

Notes

To make with corn tortillas: Warm 12 corn tortillas for 30 seconds in the microwave, until pliable. On a baking sheet, rub the tortillas with olive oil. Lay each flat and then layer evenly with meat and cheese. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling, gently pressing down to close. Transfer to the oven and bake for 5-8 minutes, then flip and cook another 5 minutes more, or until the cheese has melted and the tortillas are crisp.

Nutrition