Crispy ground beef tacos are the perfect combination of a crunchy tortilla shell filled with juicy, well-seasoned ground beef, making them a hit for any meal. Whether you’re planning a taco night with friends or just craving a satisfying dinner, these tacos are sure to impress. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how to make these tacos crispy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious.
The Secret to Crispy Tacos
Achieving the perfect crispy taco requires the right technique and ingredients. Here’s what you need to know:
- Use Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas crisp up better than flour tortillas. Brushing them with olive oil ensures they get that golden, crunchy exterior.
- Bake, Don’t Fry: Baking the tacos in the oven not only makes them healthier but also allows for even crispiness without the mess of frying.
- Seal the Edges: Gently pressing the edges of the tortillas after filling them helps keep all that delicious ground beef and cheese inside, ensuring each bite is perfectly balanced.
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Perfectly Seasoned Ground Beef
The heart of any good taco is the filling. Here’s how to get the ground beef just right:
- Choosing the Right Beef: Opt for ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (around 80/20) for a juicy, flavorful filling.
- Seasoning: Use a mix of taco seasoning and finely chopped onions to create a well-rounded flavor that complements the crispy tortilla.
- Cooking Method: Cook the beef over medium heat until browned, then simmer with seasoning and a bit of water to let the flavors meld together.
Key Ingredients
- Ground Beef: Essential for a rich and savory filling. Opt for 80/20 beef for the best flavor.
- Corn Tortillas: The foundation for crispy tacos. These tortillas provide the best texture when baked.
- Taco Seasoning: Adds depth and a burst of flavor to the beef.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully inside the taco, adding a creamy, cheesy element.
- Olive Oil: Brushing the tortillas with olive oil helps them crisp up in the oven.
- Shredded Lettuce & Avocado: Fresh toppings that add crunch and creaminess to each bite.
- Salsa: A must-have for a touch of acidity and spice.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, cook 1 lb of ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Season the Beef
Stir in 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and ¼ cup of water. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the seasoning is well absorbed, and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Tacos
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange 8 corn tortillas on the baking sheet. Brush one side of each tortilla with olive oil.
Step 4: Assemble
On the non-oiled side of each tortilla, sprinkle a generous amount of 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese. Spoon the cooked ground beef mixture over the cheese. Fold the tortillas in half, pressing gently to seal the edges.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the tacos in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the crispy tacos from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Serve them with 1 cup shredded lettuce, sliced avocado, and salsa on the side.
FAQ
While you can use flour tortillas, they won’t crisp up as well as corn tortillas. Corn tortillas provide a better texture for crispy tacos. They also won't be gluten-free.
To make the tacos healthier, use lean ground beef or ground turkey, bake instead of frying, and add extra vegetables like tomatoes or bell peppers.
Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
Equipment
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Olive oil for brushing
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 avocado sliced
- Salsa for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Season the Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning and ¼ cup of water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Prepare the Tacos: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the tortillas on the sheet. Brush each tortilla with olive oil on one side.
- Assemble: On the non-oiled side, sprinkle cheese and spoon the beef mixture. Fold the tortillas and press to seal.
- Bake: Bake for 15 minutes or until crispy.
- Serve: Let the tacos cool slightly, then serve with lettuce, avocado, and salsa.
Notes
Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the oven for crispiness.
