Crispy Ground Beef Tacos

Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are the answer when everyone in my house wants something quick and satisfying I love how they get perfectly crunchy in the oven while staying cheesy inside These have turned into a go to on busy nights especially when everyone can dunk them in their favorite dip

The first time I made these my kids were lined up with bowls of salsa and queso and there was not a crumb left on the tray They always beg me to make this meal again

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Look for 90 percent lean for less grease and juicy flavor
• Taco seasoning: A quick way to add tons of flavor choose your favorite blend or make your own
• Red enchilada sauce: Brings saucy depth and a little kick use a high quality one for richer taste
• Oaxaca cheese or Mexican cheese blends Monterey Jack: Makes these extra melty try to shred your own cheese for best melt
• Corn tortillas: Fresh pliable tortillas make folding much easier check your bakery section for the softest ones
• Olive oil: Brushing tortillas helps them crisp up beautifully stick to extra virgin for best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Add ground beef to a skillet over medium high heat Break it apart as it cooks and let it sit long enough between stirs to get a good brown crust This is where the flavor develops Cook until the beef is fully browned and there is no pink left about 6 to 8 minutes

Add Sauce and Seasoning:

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef then pour in the enchilada sauce Mix thoroughly and let the mixture simmer for a couple minutes until thick and saucy The beef should soak up that flavor but not get dry Remove the skillet from heat

Warm the Tortillas:

Wrap all corn tortillas in a damp paper towel Place them in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds until they are soft and easy to bend You want them nice and warm to avoid tearing as you assemble

Fill and Fold:

Brush one side of each tortilla lightly with olive oil Lay oiled side down on your baking sheet Add two tablespoons of cheese to one half of the tortilla Top with about a quarter cup of the beef mixture and then add two more tablespoons of cheese Fold the tortilla over to cover the filling Press gently to seal

Bake Until Crispy:

Line all filled and folded tacos in a single layer on your baking sheet with space between them Place in the 450 degree oven Bake for about 16 minutes flipping once if you like extra crunch When the edges are golden and cheese is bubbling they are done

Cool and Enjoy:

Let the tacos cool for about three minutes on the baking sheet before serving This helps the cheese set up inside and keeps them from falling apart when you pick them up

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My favorite ingredient is Oaxaca cheese because it makes every bite super stretchy and creamy Last summer during a family movie night these tacos disappeared so fast we had to bake a second tray before the film ended

Storage Tips

These tacos will keep well in the fridge for up to three days Store them in a tightly closed container To reheat just put them back in a hot oven or an air fryer for a few minutes and they will get nice and crispy again Microwaving works in a pinch but the shells will soften

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese use a combo of mozzarella and cheddar For a vegetarian version black beans mashed and seasoned work great instead of ground beef You can also try ground turkey for a lighter take

Serving Suggestions

Set out bowls of guacamole fresh salsa and queso for dipping Squeeze lime wedges over the tacos right before eating for a bright finish For a meal serve with a big green salad or Mexican street corn

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Cultural Context

Crispy tacos like these are inspired by the Tex Mex tradition of oven fried shells They bridge classic flavors of Mexican street food with the convenience and creativity of American home cooking Growing up I loved taco night because everyone could fill theirs just how they liked

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you achieve crispy tortillas in the oven?

Brushing tortillas with olive oil and baking them at high heat ensures a perfectly crisp texture without frying.

→ Can you use a different type of cheese?

Yes, Oaxaca, Mexican blends, or Monterey Jack all work well, offering melty richness to each taco.

→ How do you prevent tortillas from cracking when folding?

Microwaving wrapped tortillas briefly makes them soft and flexible, preventing cracks while folding.

→ Is it possible to use homemade taco seasoning?

Absolutely, homemade blends with cumin, paprika, and garlic create a personalized flavor profile for the beef.

→ What dips pair well with these tacos?

Salsa, queso, and guacamole all complement the savory filling and crispy shell beautifully.