Description
Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos are the ultimate taco night treat. With perfectly seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, and crispy baked tortillas, these tacos are as delicious as they are easy to make. Top them with fresh garnishes for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s healthier than fried versions and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
For the Tacos
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 can refried beans
- Tortillas (grain-free, corn, or flour)
- Avocado or olive oil spray
For the Garnishes
- Shredded iceberg lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped cilantro
- Jalapeño crema (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat the oven to 400°F to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and the onions are softened.
- Season the Meat
- Drain any excess grease, leaving 1–2 tablespoons of drippings in the pan.
- Stir in garlic, taco seasoning, and salt. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Build the Flavor Base
- Create a well in the pan and add tomato paste. Stir for 1 minute to caramelize it slightly, then incorporate it into the meat mixture.
- Add diced green chiles and cook for another 5–7 minutes.
- Prepare the Beans and Tortillas
- Warm the refried beans in a separate pan over low heat until spreadable.
- Heat tortillas briefly in the microwave or on the stovetop to make them pliable.
- Assemble the Tacos
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread a layer of refried beans on one side of a tortilla. Add ¼ cup of the ground beef mixture on top.
- Fold the tortilla in half and place it on the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Bake the Tacos
- Lightly spray the tops of the tacos with avocado or olive oil spray.
- Place a second baking sheet on top of the tacos to keep them flat while baking.
- Bake for 13–15 minutes.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness
- Remove the top baking sheet and set the oven to broil.
- Broil the tacos for 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve
- Top the tacos with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapeño crema (if desired).
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Tortilla Tips: Warm tortillas before assembling to prevent cracking.
- Customizations: Add shredded cheese before folding the tacos for a gooey, cheesy layer.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired