Crispy Ground Beef Tacos

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious weeknight meal that the whole family will love, these Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are just the ticket! They come together in just 35 minutes, making them perfect for those busy evenings. The best part? Everyone can customize their tacos with their favorite toppings, like salsa, queso, or guacamole. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your dinner rotation!

These tacos hold a special place in my heart because they bring everyone together. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a fun gathering with friends, they’re always a hit. Plus, who doesn’t love that satisfying crunch of a crispy taco shell filled with seasoned beef and melted cheese?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With only 35 minutes from start to finish, these tacos fit perfectly into busy weeknights.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike adore the flavor and fun of building their own tacos.
• Customizable: Everyone can add their favorite toppings for a personalized touch!
• Deliciously cheesy: Oozing with melted cheese, each bite is pure comfort.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare the filling in advance for even easier meal prep during the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that you might already have on hand. They come together beautifully to create delicious Crispy Ground Beef Tacos.

For the Tacos

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90%)
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• 3/4 cup red enchilada sauce
• 2 1/2 cups Oaxaca cheese or Mexican cheese or Monterey Jack
• 10 corn tortillas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Variations

The beauty of these Crispy Ground Beef Tacos is their flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry.

• Swap the protein: Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option that still delivers great flavor.
• Add veggies: Incorporate finely chopped bell peppers or onions into the beef mixture for extra nutrition.
• Go vegetarian: Substitute black beans or lentils for the ground beef to make a hearty vegetarian taco.
• Change up the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for added zing.

How to Make Crispy Ground Beef Tacos

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F. This high temperature ensures that your tortillas will become nice and crispy while baking.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and break it apart as it cooks. This step is essential as browning adds depth of flavor. Once browned, stir in the taco seasoning and red enchilada sauce. Let it simmer briefly before removing it from heat; this allows all those amazing flavors to meld together!

Step 3: Prepare the Tortillas

Wrap your corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and pop them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until they are pliable. This makes folding them much easier without tearing.

Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos

Brush one side of each tortilla with olive oil—this helps achieve that lovely crispness when baked! Place each tortilla on a baking sheet, oiled side down. Layer in some cheese first, followed by beef, and then more cheese on top before folding them over. Make sure they’re snug but not overcrowded!

Step 5: Bake Away!

Arrange all your assembled tacos on the baking sheet in a single layer and bake for about 16 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they’re golden brown and crispy! Allow them to cool for about three minutes so they’re easier to handle.

And there you have it—delicious Crispy Ground Beef Tacos ready to be devoured! Enjoy every crunchy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Ground Beef Tacos

These tacos are a fantastic weeknight meal, but a few simple tips can make them even better!

• Use lean ground beef: Opting for 90% lean ground beef ensures that your tacos are flavorful without being overly greasy, making each bite enjoyable.
• Warm tortillas properly: Microwaving the tortillas wrapped in a damp paper towel allows them to become pliable, preventing tears or cracks when you fill and fold them.
• Don’t overstuff your tacos: While it’s tempting to pile on the filling, keeping it to the recommended amounts ensures that your tacos hold together beautifully and stay crispy.
• Experiment with cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese for added flavor! Combining Oaxaca cheese with a bit of pepper jack can give your tacos an exciting kick.
• Serve immediately: For the best texture and taste, serve your tacos right after baking. This way, they’ll be perfectly crispy and delightful!

How to Serve Crispy Ground Beef Tacos

Presenting these crispy beef tacos can be as fun as making them! Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness that complements the richness of the beef and cheese.
• Lime wedges: Squeezing fresh lime juice over the tacos enhances their flavor and brightens up each bite.
• Sliced jalapeños: For those who enjoy a little heat, add sliced jalapeños on top for an extra spicy kick!

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice makes a deliciously creamy pairing with your tacos.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans seasoned with spices provide a hearty side that balances out the crunchiness of the tacos.
• Guacamole: Whip up some fresh guacamole using ripe avocados, lime juice, onions, and tomatoes for a cool dip that’s perfect alongside your crispy tacos.
• Spanish Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices adds a flavorful touch to your meal while complementing the savory flavors of the tacos.

Enjoy crafting these delicious Crispy Ground Beef Tacos, and don’t forget to customize them with your favorite garnishes and sides!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up in advance for busy weeknights or for a fun gathering with friends. Here’s how to store and keep them fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the tacos to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate.
• Consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• Let the cooked tacos cool fully before freezing.
• Wrap each taco individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in an oven at 350F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• If using a microwave, place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you may have about making Crispy Ground Beef Tacos!

Can I use another type of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives if you prefer a lighter option.

How can I make my Crispy Ground Beef Tacos spicier?

To add some heat, consider mixing jalapeños into your beef mixture or topping your tacos with spicy salsa. You can also sprinkle some chili powder into your taco seasoning for extra kick!

What’s the best way to serve Crispy Ground Beef Tacos?

These tacos shine when served with dips like salsa, guacamole, or queso. You can also add toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or avocado slices for added freshness.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try these Crispy Ground Beef Tacos in your kitchen! They are not only delicious but also fun to make and share with family and friends. Enjoy every crispy bite, knowing that this recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Happy cooking!