Baked tacos are a fun and delicious way to enjoy a classic favorite. They bring together all the flavors of traditional tacos, but with a crispy twist! When you bake the filled taco shells, they become golden and crunchy, making each bite a delightful experience.
Why Make This Recipe
Making baked tacos is a great choice for several reasons. First, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun family gathering. Second, you can customize the toppings based on your preferences, making it a versatile dish. Finally, baked tacos are great for serving a group, as everyone can build their own taco with their favorite toppings!
How to Make Baked Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 1/4 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (1.25-ounce) package taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water or beer
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (such as Cholula)
- 12 hard taco shells
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Pico de gallo
- Avocado
- Sour cream
- Cilantro
- Shredded lettuce
- Lime wedges
Directions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes. Be sure to crumble the beef as it cooks and drain the excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until it’s translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Mix in the taco seasoning, water (or beer), and hot sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the flavors blend.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly oil a 9 x 13 baking dish or use nonstick spray.
- Place taco shells in a single layer, standing up, in the prepared baking dish. Bake in the oven for about 3-4 minutes until crispy.
- Carefully add 1/4 cup of the beef mixture to each taco shell, then sprinkle with cheese.
- Return the filled taco shells to the oven and bake for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Serve immediately with desired toppings.
How to Serve Baked Tacos
Baked tacos can be served hot from the oven, allowing everyone to add their favorite toppings. You can offer a variety of toppings like pico de gallo, slices of avocado, sour cream, fresh cilantro, shredded lettuce, and lime wedges for a fresh burst of flavor.
How to Store Baked Tacos
If you have leftovers, store the taco shells and the beef mixture separately. Place them in airtight containers and keep them in the refrigerator. The taco shells will stay crispy this way. You can reheat the beef mixture on the stove or in the microwave before filling the taco shells again.
Tips to Make Baked Tacos
- Use lean ground beef to keep the tacos light and healthy.
- Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or corn to the beef mixture for added flavor.
- If you want extra crispy shells, bake them for a few extra minutes.
Variation
You can easily turn baked tacos into a vegetarian option by substituting the ground beef with lentils, beans, or textured vegetable protein. You can also experiment with different seasonings or even add cheese directly to the shells before filling them to make them even cheesier!
FAQs
1. Can I use soft tortillas instead of hard taco shells?
Yes, you can use soft tortillas. However, they may not get as crispy. You may want to bake them briefly before filling.
2. How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the beef mixture and store it in the fridge. Assemble the tacos just before baking for best results.
3. What are some great toppings for baked tacos?
Popular toppings include pico de gallo, avocado, sour cream, cheese, and fresh lime. Feel free to get creative with other favorite toppings!
Baked Tacos
Ingredients
For the beef mixture
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil For cooking
- 1.25 pounds lean ground beef Use lean beef for a lighter option
- 1 small onion, diced Onion adds flavor
- 3 cloves garlic, minced For added aroma
- 1 1.25-ounce package taco seasoning Choose your favorite brand
- 1/4 cup water or beer To help blend flavors
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce Adjust according to taste
For assembly
- 12 pieces hard taco shells Ensure they’re sturdy
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese Cheese adds creaminess
Toppings
- Pico de gallo Fresh salsa option
- Avocado Sliced for garnish
- Sour cream For creaminess
- Cilantro Fresh herb for garnish
- Shredded lettuce Freshness and crunch
- Lime wedges For a burst of acidity
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes. Be sure to crumble the beef as it cooks and drain the excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until it’s translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Mix in the taco seasoning, water (or beer), and hot sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the flavors blend.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly oil a 9 x 13 baking dish or use nonstick spray.
- Place taco shells in a single layer, standing up, in the prepared baking dish. Bake in the oven for about 3-4 minutes until crispy.
- Carefully add 1/4 cup of the beef mixture to each taco shell, then sprinkle with cheese.
- Return the filled taco shells to the oven and bake for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Serving
- Serve immediately with desired toppings.
