Name: How to Make Baked Tacos: 7 Tips for a Perfectly Crispy Shell
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended); 1 packet Taco Seasoning; 0.75 cup Water; 12 count Taco Shells (Stand 'n Stuff recommended); Shredded Lettuce (For topping); Diced Tomatoes (For topping); Shredded Cheese (For topping); Sour Cream (For topping)

What is your go-to taco on a weeknight? Seriously, these are ridiculously easy, and I swear my kids cheer when they see them on the table. Is it like a taco casserole and individual tortillas had babies, and this is what they created – pure, pure and delicious. How do I make chees I know we all love a good sheet pan dinner, but trust me, these baked tacos are in the league of theirs. When you’re short on time, you can make a batch of tacos. It’s so much easier than assembling them!

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What is Baked Tacos?

Baked tacos are essentially deconstructed tortillas that are baked in muffin tins. What is the best way to Make crispy-shelled tacos? Customize with your favorite fillings. Is it a hands-off approach for busy weeknights? Instead of standing over a hot stove, frying tortillas, you simply load them up with your favorite. What are taco fillings and bake? What are some of the Best Taco recipes?

Why I love this recipe?

Where do I start? I love this baked taco recipe. It is so easy to make. How do I throw these together in a few minutes? Everything else. What I love most about this is that everyone can customize their own. My daughter hates onions, my son likes extra cheese…baked tacos let them create exactly what they want. What do people want?Flavor Explosion:What are some of the best toppings for a tortilla? What is a party in your mouth? The textures are amazing, and the flavors meld together perfectly as they bake.Super Simple:What is the easiest dinner you have ever made? Even the kids can help assemble them!Budget FriendlyGround beef is economical, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your diet. I’ve even used shredded chicken or black beans when ground beef wasn’t in the budget.Totally VersatileWhat’s a good taco recipe? Add some jalapenos! What are your taco recipes? Is it easier to remember individual orders when everyone is making their own? These are way easier than enchiladas and faster than chili. What’s your take on taco night?

How do I make Baked Tacos?

Quick Overview

What are some ways to brown ground beef, season it with taco seasoning, and then load it into tortillas? What are the shells that are nestled in muffin tins? Top with cheese and bake until golden and bubbly. Then, pile on your favorite toppings and enjoy! Is it a simple process that delivers amazing results every single time?

Ingredients

For the Main Event:
I usually go for lean ground beef to avoid excess grease. • 1 packet taco seasoning: Use your favorite brand, or make your own! What are the best store-bought meals for a weeknight meal? • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce: This adds moisture and flavor to the beef mixture. • 12 corn tortillas: Corn tortilla holds their shape best when baked. Flour Tortillas tend to get soggy but can be used in a pinch! • 2 cups shredded cheese: What do you like about Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend? How do you get that melted cheese pull?

For the Toppings (Get Creative!): What are some
• Shredded lettuce • Diced tomatoes • Sour Cream or Greek yogurt • Salsa • Guacamole • Diced onions • Sliced black olives • Jalapenos (if you’re feeling spicy!

How do I follow

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. How do you prevent tortillas from sticking?

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. I always do this step really thoroughly so my tacos aren’t greasy.

Step 3: Season the Beef

Stir in the taco seasoning and tomato sauce. Stir well. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. I always sneak a taste test here (don’t tell)!

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

Is this optional? Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds. This makes them more pliable and easier to work with.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Gently press each tortilla into a muffin tin cup. This creates an irregular taco shell shape. How do you top a tortilla with beef mixture?

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and tortillas are golden brown. What are the baking times of your oven?

Step 7: Cool Slightly & Load ‘Em Up!

Let the tacos cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before carefully removing them. What are your favorite toppings? Where everyone gets to personalize their own.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve immediately and watch them disappear! Seriously, these are always a hit.

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best side dishes to serve with tacos?For a Fiesta:Spanish rice, refried beans, and a side of tortilla chips with guacamole. What is a Mexican feast?For a lighter meal:What is a simple green salad with lime vinaigrette? It adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of tacos.For the Kids:What are some good sliced bell peppers for dipping in salsa? How do I get veggies in my diet?What is a quick lunch?What are some good leftovers to serve the next day? I always make a big batch of salsa and have all the toppings laid out buffet-style. What makes taco night special?

How do you bake tacos?

What are some tricks to make baked tacos perfect every time?Don’t overfillResist the urge to pack tortillas too full. Overfilling muffin tins can make them soggy.Cheese is Key:What is the Best Taco cheese to serve?Crispy Tortill For extra crispy tortillas, brush them lightly with oil before baking.
Customize the Seasoning: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to your taste. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Vary the Meat: You can use ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even black beans instead of ground beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. I find ground turkey dries out faster, so keep an eye on it.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Sometimes I’ll add a layer of refried beans to the bottom of the tortilla before adding the ground beef mixture. It’s a delicious addition!

My biggest mistake? I once forgot to grease the muffin tin. Let’s just say it took a while to scrape those tacos out!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s How to store and reheat your baked tacos like a pro:

Room Temperature: You can leave baked tacos at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, they should be refrigerated.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They might lose some of their crispiness, but they’ll still be delicious.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze baked tacos. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, bake the tacos in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they will be less crispy. I like to add a little extra cheese on top when reheating for extra flavor.

The glaze doesn’t apply to this recipe, silly. 😉

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute the ground beef with black beans, pinto beans, or even crumbled tofu. Just make sure to season them well with taco seasoning.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

You can, but keep in mind that flour tortillas tend to get a bit soggy when baked. If you use flour tortillas, I recommend brushing them lightly with oil and baking them for a shorter amount of time.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the tacos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What if my tortillas crack when I put them in the muffin tin?

Warming the tortillas slightly in the microwave will help prevent them from cracking. You can also try lightly brushing them with oil before pressing them into the muffin tin.

Can I add rice to the filling?

Sure! Adding cooked rice to the beef mixture is a great way to stretch the filling and make the tacos even more filling. I recommend using about 1/2 cup of cooked rice per pound of ground beef.

Final Thoughts

These baked tacos are seriously a game-changer for busy weeknights! They’re easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re a fun way to get the whole family involved in cooking. If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other easy weeknight dinners!

I really hope you try these baked tacos and love them as much as my family does! Please let me know in the comments how yours turn out, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! Happy baking, or should I say, happy taco-ing!

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