Name: Crispy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef (90%); 1 packet of taco seasoning; 3/4 cup red enchilada sauce; 2 1/2 cups Oaxaca cheese or Mexican cheese or Monterey Jack; 10 corn tortillas; 1 tbs olive oil

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun, flavor-packed weeknight dinner, Crispy Ground Beef Tacos deserve a spot at the top of your list! These tacos bring together juicy, seasoned beef, gooey melted cheese, and ultra-crunchy tortillas for a mouthwatering combination in every bite. They’re incredibly satisfying, quick to whip up, and perfect for feeding a crowd or making any day feel like a fiesta. With their golden-crisp shells and bold, savory filling, it’s easy to see why Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are my go-to for taco night cravings.

Crispy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crispy Ground Beef Tacos lies in their set of simple but oh-so-essential ingredients. Each plays a starring role—bringing savory depth, melty goodness, mouthwatering aroma, or a satisfying crunch. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Lean ground beef: Choose 90% lean for the perfect balance—flavorful and juicy without leaving your tacos greasy.
Taco seasoning: The punch of classic Tex-Mex flavor! Use your favorite packet, or homemade if you have a secret blend.
Red enchilada sauce: Adds a saucy, slightly spicy dimension that keeps the beef moist and flavorful.
Oaxaca cheese (or Mexican blend or Monterey Jack): For glorious melt and rich, creamy cheese pull with every bite.
Corn tortillas: Their toasty flavor and crisp finish make these tacos irresistible—don’t substitute flour here!
Olive oil: Brushing the tortillas ensures they bake up golden and satisfyingly crunchy.

How to Make Crispy Ground Beef Tacos

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven to 450F

Getting that oven good and hot is crucial for achieving maximum crunch. Don’t skip the preheat—high heat quickly crisps those tortillas while melting the cheese beautifully inside your Crispy Ground Beef Tacos.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Filling

Heat your favorite skillet over medium-high, then add the ground beef. Break it up as it browns, letting those delicious aromas start the party in your kitchen. Stir in the taco seasoning and red enchilada sauce, then let everything simmer together so the beef soaks up all that zesty, rich flavor. Once it’s bubbling and aromatic, remove the skillet from the heat to prevent overcooking.

Step 3: Warm the Corn Tortillas

This is the secret to foldable, non-cracking shells! Wrap your corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 to 60 seconds until they’re soft and pliable. This simple trick sets you up for crispy tacos that don’t fall apart.

Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos

Brush one side of each tortilla lightly with olive oil—this is your ticket to that signature crunch. Place each tortilla, oiled side down, on a baking sheet. Add a sprinkle (about 2 tablespoons) of cheese to one half, then pile on 1/4 cup of your seasoned beef. Top with another sprinkle of cheese before folding the tortilla over everything to create a half-moon taco.

Step 5: Arrange and Bake

Line up the filled tortillas in a single layer on your baking sheet. Make sure they don’t overlap, so every taco gets crispy. Slide them in the oven and bake for 16 minutes, or until golden brown and audible crunch-worthy. Give them a couple of minutes to cool—they’ll crisp up even more as they rest!

How to Serve Crispy Ground Beef Tacos

Garnishes

The right toppings lift your Crispy Ground Beef Tacos from delicious to dazzling! Think creamy slices of ripe avocado, a flurry of fresh cilantro, crunchy radishes, or a cool dollop of sour cream. Pickled onions or a spritz of lime juice add brightness, balancing the rich, cheesy filling beautifully.

Side Dishes

You can never go wrong with classic sides! Try tangy Mexican rice, smoky black beans, or sweet corn salad to round out your taco spread. Chips and guacamole or fresh pico de gallo are always welcome additions—perfect for scooping and sharing alongside your main event.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party vibe, set up a make-your-own taco bar with bowls of colorful toppings. Or, slice tacos in half for easy-to-grab appetizers at your next game night. Layer them over a bed of greens and drizzle with salsa for a playful taco salad twist. However you serve them, Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are guaranteed to draw a crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra tacos, let them cool completely before popping them into an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep garnishes separate so your Crispy Ground Beef Tacos stay crisp on the outside, and fresh and flavorful inside.

Freezing

You can freeze these tacos before baking! Assemble them up to the folding point, then layer between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe bag. When taco cravings hit, bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time for golden, melty results.

Reheating

To bring back that crave-worthy crunch, reheat leftover tacos in the oven at 400F for about 8–10 minutes. Avoid the microwave unless you’re in a hurry—it’ll soften the tortillas. An air fryer also works magic for a quick, extra-crispy finish.

FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

For the classic flavor and crunch, corn tortillas are highly recommended. Flour tortillas tend to bake up softer and might not hold their shape as well, but you can experiment if that’s your preference.

Is there a good cheese substitute for Oaxaca?

Absolutely! If Oaxaca is hard to find, a shredded Mexican blend or Monterey Jack melts beautifully and gives a deliciously creamy texture in Crispy Ground Beef Tacos.

Can I make these tacos less spicy?

If you’re sensitive to heat, look for a mild taco seasoning and enchilada sauce. You can also add more cheese to mellow out the spice or balance with cool toppings like avocado and sour cream.

What’s the key to getting really crispy tacos?

The trick is brushing the tortillas with oil, placing the oiled side down, and using a hot oven. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan—air circulation helps everything get perfectly crisp.

Can I prepare the beef filling ahead of time?

Yes! You can brown and season the ground beef mixture up to two days in advance. Store it in the fridge, then just reheat before assembling your tacos for a super-fast, fresh-baked dinner.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are the ultimate family favorite—impossibly easy, fun to make, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Give them a try and watch every bite bring a little extra joy (and crunch) to your table!

Crispy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 7 reviews

Author: Chloe
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 10 tacos 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love. Crunchy corn tortillas are filled with seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, and melted cheese, then baked to perfection for a crispy finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Filling:

1 pound lean ground beef (90%)
1 packet of taco seasoning
3/4 cup red enchilada sauce

Assembly:

2 1/2 cups Oaxaca cheese or Mexican cheese or Monterey Jack
10 corn tortillas
1 tbs olive oil

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 450F.
Cook beef: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in taco seasoning and enchilada sauce. Simmer and remove from heat.
Prepare tortillas: Microwave tortillas wrapped in a damp paper towel for 30–60 seconds. Brush one side with olive oil.
Assemble tacos: Place tortillas oiled side down on a baking sheet. Add cheese, beef, more cheese, and fold over. Repeat for all tortillas.
Bake: Arrange tacos on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 16 minutes until crispy and cheese is melted.
Serve: Let tacos cool for 3 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican