This Baked Beef Tacos Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as it only takes 45 minutes to make, and the whole family will love the results.
Tacos are always a hit. You are going to want to try these favorites, Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Tacos, Easy Chicken Taco, or Fry Bread Tacos.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Baked beef tacos are quick and easy to prepare, making them ideal for tight schedules.
- These crispy oven-baked tacos are packed with flavorful, seasoned beef and melty cheese for a satisfying bite every time.
- Baked beef tacos are cooked to perfection with crispy taco shells – no soggy tacos here.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or a fun family dinner everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient List
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- olive oil
- yellow onion
- garlic
- ground beef 80/20
- homemade taco seasoning
- water
- hard taco shells
- Cheddar cheese
- chopped tomato
- jalapeno
- red onion
- fresh cilantro
- sour cream
- lime
- non-stick cooking spray
Equipment
- 9x13 inch casserole dish
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- knife
- Cutting Board
- Grater
How to Make Baked Beef Tacos
This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a preheated skillet saute the onions for 3 minutes. Then add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Add taco seasoning and water, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Place taco shells in the baking dish and fill them as desired. Bake for 8-10 minutes.
Eileen's Tips for Success
- When sautéing onions and garlic, keep the heat at medium to prevent burning.
- For extra crispy tacos, lightly brush the shells with oil before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can easily swap out ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative.
To keep your taco shells crunchy and delicious, bake them with the filling for the specified time. You can also add a layer of shredded cheese at the bottom of the shell before adding the beef mixture to help create a moisture barrier.
Yes! You can prep the beef filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, reheat the filling, assemble the tacos, and bake as directed.
Variations
Do you want to change up this recipe? Here are some ways to change the flavor of this dish.
- Cheese: Add a layer of melted queso or nacho cheese to the top of the tacos before serving for a cheesy twist.
- Spice: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper with the beef filling for added heat.
- Vegetables: Add sautéed peppers, mushrooms, or beans to the filling for a hearty, veggie-packed dish.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free taco shells.
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream.
Make ahead, storage, and freezer tips
Storage - Store leftover beef filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing - You can freeze the cooked beef filling in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions
You can never go wrong with chips and Instant Pot Queso. What's a better combination than tacos and cheese dip? This homemade guacamole is another great topping for your tacos. Or, you could even pair this Roasted Corn on the Cob with them for a great side dish.
Similar recipes
Are you looking for taco inspiration? Here are a few of my favorite taco recipes:
Check all our Mexican recipes here.
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Eileen xo
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.
📖 Recipe
Baked Beef Tacos
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Equipment Needed:
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium chopped yellow onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 ground beef or minced beef
- 3 Tablespoons homemade taco seasoning or 1 ounce packet of taco seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons water
- 8 hard taco shells
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium chopped tomato
- 1 large diced jalapeno seeded
- 1 medium diced red onion
- 3 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream
- 1 large lime optional garnish
- non-stick cooking spray
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Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat and add 1 Tablespoon olive oil. Add 1 medium chopped yellow onion and saute for about 3 minutes to soften the onions. Add 2 cloves minced garlic, stir, let the garlic bloom to blend the flavor, about 30 seconds.
- Add 1 pound ground beef and saute until browned, about 7 to 10 minutes. Drain and discard the grease.
- Mix in 3 Tablespoons homemade taco seasoning and 2 Tablespoons water. Turn heat to low and let simmer 5 minutes. Set aside.
- Spray a 9x13-inch pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Arrange 8 hard taco shells in the baking pan, pressed against each other so they stand up. Spoon beef filling into each taco shell and evenly sprinkle each taco with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the taco shells are slightly browned.
- Remove tacos from the oven and garnish with 1 medium chopped tomato1 large diced jalapeno, 1 medium diced red onion, 3 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, and Sour cream. If desired squeeze 1 large lime over the baked beef tacos. Enjoy.
NOTES
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