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For crispy baked ground beef tacos, you need the following: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 12 small corn tortillas - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) - 1 cup iceberg lettuce, finely shredded - 1 medium tomato, diced - 1 ripe avocado, diced - ½ cup sour cream - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Olive oil for brushing These ingredients combine to create a tasty and satisfying meal. If you have dietary needs, consider these swaps: - Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. - Replace cheese with dairy-free cheese for a vegan choice. - Try lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a low-carb meal. - Use gluten-free tortillas if gluten is a concern. These alternatives keep the dish delicious while fitting your needs. For the best taste, choose quality ingredients: - Select 80/20 ground beef for rich flavor and juiciness. - Opt for fresh, local produce for the best taste and nutrition. - Use organic olive oil for a healthier fat option. - Look for aged cheddar for a sharper flavor. Using quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference in your tacos. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step helps the tacos bake evenly. While the oven heats, gather the ingredients. You want everything ready to go. In a large skillet, add 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat. Cook it until it turns brown. As it cooks, break it apart with a spatula. Once the beef is browned, drain any fat. Next, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to become soft and clear. Then, stir in 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix and cook for 2-3 more minutes. This helps the spices blend well with the beef, giving it a great flavor. Now, let's prepare the corn tortillas. Brush both sides of each tortilla with olive oil. This step makes them crispier when baked. Lay the tortillas on a baking sheet. Spoon the beef mixture into each tortilla. Make sure to add a good amount of shredded cheese on top. Carefully fold each tortilla in half. Press the edges gently to keep the filling inside. Arrange them on the baking sheet without overlapping. Bake in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. You want the tortillas to turn golden and crispy. Once done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. This way, they are easier to handle. Finally, top each taco with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and avocado. Add a scoop of sour cream and sprinkle cilantro for a fresh touch. Enjoy your crispy baked tacos! To make your tacos extra crispy, brush both sides of the corn tortillas with olive oil. This tiny step helps them crisp up in the oven. Make sure to bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they turn golden brown without burning. You can add more flavor to your beef by using different spices. Try adding cayenne pepper for heat or oregano for a fresh taste. If you want to change up the cheese, use pepper jack for a spicy kick or queso fresco for a milder flavor. You can also add black beans or corn to the beef mixture for a fun twist. One common mistake is overfilling the tortillas. If you pack them too tight, they might rip or not bake evenly. Another mistake is not preheating the oven. Always preheat to ensure the tacos bake properly. Lastly, be careful with the oil. Too much can make the tacos greasy instead of crispy. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor and texture of your tacos. Opt for ripe avocados and crisp lettuce for the best results. Customize Your Spices: Adjust the spices to your taste. If you prefer more heat, add cayenne pepper or jalapeños to the beef mixture. Warm Your Tortillas: Slightly warming the tortillas before assembly makes them more pliable and helps prevent cracking when folding. Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to mix up the fillings! Try adding black beans, corn, or even grilled vegetables for a delicious twist. {{image_4}} If you want a meatless option, try lentils or black beans. They add protein and fiber. Cook them with the same spices as the beef. You can even add some bell peppers for extra flavor. Use them in place of ground beef. This keeps the dish tasty and healthy. Cheese can change the taco’s flavor. Try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a kick. For a creamy touch, use queso fresco. You can also mix cheeses for more depth. As for sauces, salsa verde or chipotle mayo can spice things up. These options make your tacos more exciting and fun. Get creative with your fillings. Try adding roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. For a twist, use pulled jackfruit for a fun texture. You can also include beans, corn, or even quinoa. Top it off with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for added freshness. Making your tacos unique makes them more enjoyable. To store leftover tacos, let them cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. If you have toppings like lettuce or avocado, store them separately. This keeps everything fresh. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. To freeze the tacos, wrap them in plastic wrap tightly. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, remove the wrap and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. This will make them crispy again. Keep your ingredients fresh by storing them properly. Store ground beef in the coldest part of your fridge. Use it within two days. For spices, keep them in a cool, dark place. Toppings like cheese and sour cream last longer in the fridge if sealed well. Use fresh produce within a week for the best taste. Yes, you can use flour tortillas. Flour tortillas are softer and may not crisp up like corn ones. If you prefer a chewier texture, go for flour. Just remember to adjust cooking times, as they might bake faster. To add some heat, include diced jalapeños in the beef mix. You can also use spicy chili powder or hot sauce. Another option is to sprinkle some crushed red pepper on top before serving. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Crispy baked tacos pair well with many sides. Consider serving them with: - Mexican rice - Refried beans - Corn salad - Guacamole - Salsa - A fresh green salad These sides add flavor and balance to your meal. Enjoy your taco night! This blog post covered everything you need for perfect tacos. We explored key ingredients, shared cooking steps, and offered tips for crispy results. You learned about alternatives for special diets, easy storage, and tasty variations. Remember, cooking is about fun and creativity. Use this guide as your taco adventure roadmap. Enjoy making your tacos just right, and don’t be afraid to try new flavors! Happy cooking!

Crunchy Fiesta Ground Beef Tacos

Delicious and crispy tacos filled with seasoned ground beef and topped with fresh ingredients.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 1 cup iceberg lettuce, finely shredded
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • to taste fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • as needed olive oil for brushing

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the tacos.
  • Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  • Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan with the beef. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
  • Add Spices: Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the spices mingle with the meat for a deeper flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Prepare Tortillas: In a separate bowl, lightly brush both sides of each corn tortilla with olive oil to help them crisp up nicely during baking.
  • Assemble the Tacos: Lay the oiled tortillas flat on a baking sheet. Spoon an even portion of the savory beef mixture into the center of each tortilla and sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
  • Fold and Arrange: Carefully fold each tortilla in half, gently pressing the edges to secure the filling inside. Arrange the folded tacos on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping.
  • Bake the Tacos: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden and crispy, and the cheese has melted wonderfully.
  • Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the tacos from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. This makes them easier to handle.
  • Serve and Garnish: To serve, generously top each taco with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and avocado. Add a dollop of sour cream on top, and finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of flavor and color.

Notes

Serve the tacos on a colorful platter with extra lime wedges and a small bowl of salsa for a festive fiesta display!
Keyword fiesta, ground beef, tacos