Description
These Crispy Beef Tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make meal featuring seasoned ground beef cooked with onions and garlic, served in warm corn tortillas that are baked to crispy perfection. Topped with melted Mexican cheese and fresh cilantro, these tacos are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup sliced onions
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chile powder or chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- 1 cup Mexican blend cheese
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
Optional Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Pico de gallo
- Salsa
Instructions
- Prep the oven and cook onions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the sliced onions until translucent or lightly browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, then remove the onion and garlic mixture from the pan and set aside.
- Cook and season the beef: In the same skillet, add the lean ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Stir in the cumin, chile powder or chipotle powder, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Mexican oregano. Mix in the cooked onions and garlic until evenly distributed.
- Warm the tortillas: Dampen a clean tea towel or 2 to 3 paper towels and wring out excess moisture. Place the tortillas in the center and fold the towel over them. Heat in the microwave on high for 30 seconds. If they are not warm enough, heat for an additional 10 seconds.
- Assemble the tacos: Remove a warmed tortilla and spoon a generous tablespoon of the beef filling onto the center. Gently fold the tortilla in half to form a taco and place it on a baking sheet. To help the tacos stand and stay folded, position them back to back. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Bake the tacos: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the tacos reach your desired level of crispiness and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Remove the tacos from the oven and garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with your favorite toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, pico de gallo, and salsa.
Notes
- To make the tacos spicier, add some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture or sprinkle with hot sauce when serving.
- For extra crispy tacos, try broiling them for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative to beef.
- Warm tortillas properly to avoid cracking when folding.
- Leftover beef filling can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and is great for quick taco nights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
