These Baked Beef Tacos are crispy, cheesy, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Seasoned ground beef is loaded into corn tortillas, topped with melty cheese, and baked until golden and crisp. Just add your favorite taco toppings for a simple meal!

You should also try this Instant Pot Taco Rice, Easy Breakfast Tacos and Taco Pasta Salad!

Close-up of crispy tacos filled with seasoned ground meat and cheese, placed on a parchment-lined surface. Bowls of chopped tomatoes and shredded lettuce are on the side, suggesting toppings for the tacos.

If you need some easy dinner inspiration for your next Taco Tuesday (or Monday, or Thursday), then you’ve come to the right place. Not only are these easy baked beef tacos the best way to feed your whole family, but they’re simple to customize and perfect for your next party or get-together.

Instead of frying, these baked tacos are cooked in the oven until the tortillas turn perfectly golden and crisp, making them a little lighter but just as delicious. 

The best part? You can customize them with all your favorite toppings…fresh salsa, diced avocado, tangy sour cream, or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for extra freshness. 

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a hearty meal, this baked beef taco recipe is sure to hit the spot! The ground meat and melted cheese really do make the best crispy beef tacos.

And if you need some more taco goodness, you’ll love this Taco Egg Bake and Taco Pinwheels!

A plate of crispy tacos filled with seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and melted cheese. A small bowl of sliced black olives is partially visible in the background.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and simple cooking method, this recipe was made for busy nights.
  • Crispiness without Frying: Skip the fryer and use the oven and sheet pan to get perfectly crisp tacos.
  • Flavorful: The taco meat is seasoned to perfection and delicious for your next taco night.
  • Customizable: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or even shredded beef to make pulled beef tacos.
  • Great for Feeding a Crowd: You can whip up a big batch all at once and serve to your family or hungry party guests.
  • Kid-Friendly: These ground beef tacos are loaded with cheese and tasty ingredients that even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy.
Raw ground meat on a plate, shredded cheddar cheese in a bowl, taco seasoning, salsa, and corn tortillas laid out on a light surface.

Ingredients Needed:

  • Ground Beef: I prefer to use lean ground beef.
  • Taco Seasoning: I used my favorite store-bought seasoning, but you can make homemade taco seasoning if you prefer.
  • Salsa: This gives the meat mixture a kick of flavor.
  • Tortilla Shells: I used corn tortillas, but white corn can also be used to make crispy tacos. 
  • Shredded Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is my go-to, but any kind of shredded cheese will work.
  • Toppings: Shredded lettuce, diced tomato, black olives, sour cream, etc.

How to Make Ground Beef Tacos:

  • Prepare: Preheat the oven and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
  • Cook: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain and return to the skillet. Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa and heat for several minutes. 
A white frying pan with a wooden handle contains browned ground beef, evenly spread across the surface, on a light gray countertop.
A white ceramic pan filled with cooked ground beef with taco seasoning and salsa. The meat is finely crumbled and evenly distributed across the pan surface. The pan has a wooden handle and is set on a light gray background.
  • Assemble: Place the tortillas onto the baking sheet and spoon about ¼ of the beef mixture onto one half of each tortilla. Top with shredded cheese and then gently fold each tortilla in half, forming a taco.
  • Bake: Place into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shells start to get golden and crisp around the edges. 
A baking tray with eight corn tortillas, each topped with seasoned ground beef filling on one half, ready to be folded or baked. The tray is on a neutral background.
Corn tortillas lined up on a baking sheet, each filled with seasoned ground beef and topped with shredded cheddar cheese. The fillings are arranged in a line down the center of each tortilla.
  • Top: Let the tacos cool for several minutes and then open each taco and add your favorite toppings. 

How to Store:

Store leftover baked ground beef tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. 

  • To Freeze: Wrap individual tacos in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container in the freezer for up to three months. 
  • To Reheat: To keep the roast beef tacos crispy, reheat in the oven at 375℉ for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also air fry the tacos at 350℉ for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re short on time, you can microwave the leftover tacos, though they may become soggy.

What to Serve with Tacos:

These easy beef tacos are delicious with so many dishes. Here are a few of my favorites:

Six beef tacos with melted cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and olives are lined up in metal holders. Bowls of chopped tomatoes and black olives are at the side. The scene is set on a light gray surface.

Variations:

  • Double-layered Tacos: Spread a thin layer of refried beans or queso on a tortilla and then wrap it around a the baked beef tacos with tortillas for extra flavor and texture.
  • Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, chili powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for some heat.
  • Add Some Veggies: Mix in sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms with the beef for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Swap the Protein: Instead of ground beef, use ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a different flavor.
  • Low-Carb Option: Use low-carb tortillas or turn this into a baked taco bowl by skipping the shells and serving the filling over lettuce.
  • More Fillings: Black beans, pico de gallo, yellow onion, cilantro lime rice, or even Greek yogurt would be a delicious addition.
  • Barbacoa-Style: Use slow-cooked shredded beef instead of ground beef for a flavorful upgrade.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Warm the Tortillas First: Lightly heating the corn tortillas (in the microwave or on a skillet) makes them more pliable and less likely to crack when filling and baking.
  • Prevent Sogginess: Brush or spray a little olive oil on the tortillas before baking to help them crisp up beautifully.
  • Use a Muffin Tin for Easy Assembly: Place the tacos upright in a muffin tin to keep them from tipping over while baking.
  • Shred Your Own Cheese: While this takes extra time, it’s worth it! Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes creamier.
  • Don’t Overfill the Tortillas: Adding too much filling makes the tacos hard to close and can cause the tortillas to spill over while baking.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare the beef filling in advance and store it in the fridge for a quick dinner.
A stack of crispy tacos filled with seasoned ground meat and melted cheese. The tacos are arranged in a row on a parchment-covered surface, with bowls of sliced tomatoes and olives partially visible at the corners.

Looking for More Ground Beef Recipes? I’ve Got You Covered!

Close-up of crispy tacos filled with seasoned ground meat and cheese, placed on a parchment-lined surface. Bowls of chopped tomatoes and shredded lettuce are on the side, suggesting toppings for the tacos.

Baked Beef Tacos

Yield: 8 tacos
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
These Baked Beef Tacos are crispy, cheesy, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Seasoned ground beef is loaded into corn tortillas, topped with melty cheese, and baked until golden and crisp. Just add your favorite taco toppings for a simple meal!
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Ingredients
 

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 (1.0 ounce) packet taco seasoning, any kind, (this is my favorite brand)
  • 1 cup salsa, any kind
  • 8-10 6-inch corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Toppings:

  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sour cream
  • Black olives

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400℉. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet, cook and crumble ground beef until cooked through and no longer pink. Drain, if needed, and return to skillet. Add taco seasoning and salsa and stir well to combine. Heat over medium heat until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Place tortillas on prepared pan. Tip: warm tortillas in the microwave for 20-30 seconds so they're easier to fold and then place onto prepared pan.
    Assemble tacos: Spoon about ¼ cup of meat mixture onto half of each taco shell and then top with shredded cheese. Be careful not to overstuff each shell, otherwise the filling will ooze out and create a mess. Gently fold each tortilla in half, forming a taco. Tip: Lightly spray the folded tacos with avocado oil spray or cooking spray just before baking so they turn golden brown.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shells start to turn golden brown and crisp on the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool for several minutes, then carefully open each taco and add your favorite toppings. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • To Freeze: Wrap individual tacos in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container in the freezer for up to three months.
  • To Reheat: To keep the roast beef tacos crispy, reheat in the oven at 375℉ for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also air fry the tacos at 350℉ for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re short on time, you can microwave the leftover tacos, though they may become soggy.
  • See my tips and tricks for making these Baked Beef Tacos above the recipe box.
Cuisine: Mexican
Course: Main Course
Author: Gayle
Did you make this recipe?Let me know! Mention @pumpkin_n_spice on Instagram or tag #pumpkin_n_spice.