– **Title**: Ground Beef Baked Tacos
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
– 1/2 cup water
– 12 taco shells
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded lettuce
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
– Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then add the taco seasoning and water. Stir well to combine and simmer for about 5 minutes, until thickened.
4. Arrange the taco shells in a baking dish. Pack each shell with the seasoned ground beef mixture.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the filled taco shells.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven and top each taco with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and sliced black olives if desired.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro if preferred. Serve warm and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken, but they might be less juicy. For a plant-based version, try crumbled tofu or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat.
Onion: A medium onion adds a nice sweetness to the dish. Yellow onions work best, but white or red onions can be used if that’s what you have. If you’re short on time, you can also use onion powder as an alternative.
Taco Seasoning: While a packet of taco seasoning is super convenient, making your own (using cumin, chili powder, and paprika) ensures no preservatives. You can also use a store-bought spice blend if you’re in a hurry.
Tortillas: You can use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option or flour tortillas for a softer texture. Whole wheat tortillas are a healthier choice, too. Just remember to warm them up before filling to prevent cracking.
Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but a Mexican cheese blend adds a more authentic taste. If you’re dairy-free, try using a vegan cheese that melts well.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Baked Tacos?
Getting your tacos perfectly baked is all about the right layering and baking time. Make sure to grease your baking dish to prevent sticking. Evenly distribute the beef mixture and cheese inside the tortillas to ensure they cook consistently.
- Preheat your oven while preparing the tacos so it’s hot and ready.
- Layer your tortillas in the baking dish tightly without overcrowding them — this helps them get crispy.
- Keep an eye on them while baking! You want the cheese bubbly and the tortillas golden, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
Let the tacos cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth. Adding your favorite toppings right before serving makes them even better!
How to Make Ground Beef Baked Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 cup water
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend)
Optional Toppings:
- sour cream
- guacamole
- salsa
- chopped cilantro
- diced tomatoes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes of cooking time. So, you’re looking at around 35-40 minutes total to enjoy these tasty baked tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your tacos are ready to bake.
2. Cooking the Beef Mixture:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft and translucent. If there’s a lot of fat, drain it from the skillet.
3. Seasoning the Mixture:
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture and pour in the water. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This will help the flavors combine and the mixture will thicken slightly.
4. Preparing the Baking Dish:
While the beef simmers, lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil. This will help prevent the tacos from sticking.
5. Assembling the Tacos:
Take a tortilla and place a layer of the beef mixture in the center. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top, then fold the tortilla in half. Place it in your baking dish. Repeat this with the remaining tortillas, arranging them snugly in the dish.
6. Topping It Off:
Once all the tacos are in the baking dish, sprinkle any leftover cheese over the top. This will give them a nice, cheesy finish!
7. Baking the Tacos:
Now, pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You want the tortillas to get crispy and the cheese to melt and bubble.
8. Letting Them Cool:
When they’re done, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the tacos cool slightly before serving so you don’t burn your fingers!
9. Serving Up Delicious Tacos:
Serve your baked tacos with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, and diced tomatoes. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken in the same quantity. Just be aware that leaner meats like these may release less fat, so you might need to add a splash of olive oil to the skillet for cooking if it seems dry.
Can I Make the Taco Filling Ahead of Time?
Of course! You can prepare the beef mixture a day in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble the tacos, just reheat the filling in a skillet and continue with the recipe as directed.
How to Store Leftover Baked Tacos
To keep your leftovers fresh, store any uneaten baked tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
What Other Fillings Can I Use in My Tacos?
Feel free to get creative! You can add black beans, corn, or even sautéed bell peppers and zucchini to the beef mixture. Just make sure to adjust your seasoning if you are adding more ingredients to keep the flavors balanced.
