Crispy Ground Beef Tacos: The Ultimate Weeknight Taco Recipe Everyone Will Love
These Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are a total weeknight win—crunchy on the outside, cheesy and flavorful on the inside, and baked (not fried!) for easy cleanup. They come together in about 35 minutes and are perfect for dipping into salsa, queso, or guacamole. Simple ingredients, big payoff, and guaranteed crowd-pleasers for both kids and adults.
Ingredients
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1 lb lean ground beef (90%)
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1 packet taco seasoning
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¾ cup red enchilada sauce
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2½ cups Oaxaca cheese, Mexican blend, or Monterey Jack (shredded)
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10 corn tortillas
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1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). -
Cook the Beef
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in taco seasoning and enchilada sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat. -
Soften the Tortillas
Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30–60 seconds until warm and pliable. -
Assemble the Tacos
Brush one side of each tortilla lightly with olive oil. Place tortillas on a baking sheet, oiled side down.-
Add 2 tablespoons cheese to one half
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Top with ¼ cup beef mixture
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Add 2 more tablespoons cheese
Fold tortillas over to form tacos.
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Bake
Arrange tacos in a single layer. Bake for 16 minutes, or until tortillas are crispy and cheese is melted. -
Cool & Serve
Let tacos cool for 3 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite dips.
Notes
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Warm tortillas are key—cold tortillas will crack when folded.
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If tortillas won’t stay closed, secure with a toothpick before baking.
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Bake directly on a nonstick or ceramic sheet pan for best crisping.
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For extra crunch, flip tacos halfway through baking.
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Add-ins like diced green chiles or jalapeños work great inside the beef.