Get ready for these crispy cheesy ground beef tacos that are packed with flavor! With crunchy shells and gooey cheese, they’re a hit at any meal.
I love how easy they are to make—just brown the beef, fill the shells, and bake until golden. Perfect for a fun taco night with friends or family! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I prefer 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use ground turkey or shredded chicken instead. Just be aware that the flavor will change slightly!
Taco Seasoning: While store-bought seasoning is convenient, consider making your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. This way, you can adjust the spice level to your liking.
Taco Shells: Hard taco shells are traditional, but if you want something different, try soft tortillas or even lettuce wraps for a lighter option. They still hold the fillings well!
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is classic, but I love using a Mexican blend for extra flavor. If you want a lower-fat option, reduced-fat cheese can work too, but it may not melt as smoothly.
How Do I Get My Taco Shells Extra Crispy?
To achieve crispy taco shells, make sure to bake them properly. Here’s what I suggest:
- Preheat your oven as directed. An adequately hot oven helps crisp up the shells quickly.
- Ensure the taco shells are upright. This way, they bake evenly and gain crunch on all sides.
- Keep an eye on the time! Start checking around the 5-minute mark. You want melted cheese and crispy shells, not burnt edges!
These tips will make your tacos irresistible and add that perfect crunch you’re aiming for! Enjoy your taco night! 🌮
Crispy Cheesy Ground Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (about 1 oz or 28g)
- 2/3 cup water
- 12 hard taco shells
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 1/2 cup diced onion (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for serving (optional)
- Cooking spray or a little oil for baking sheet
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 10 minutes to cook in the oven. In total, you’ll need about 25 minutes to enjoy these delicious tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, your taco shells will get nice and crispy while everything cooks.
2. Cooking the Beef:
In a large skillet, add the ground beef over medium heat. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Make sure it’s brown and no longer pink!
3. Seasoning the Beef:
Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat if needed. Then, stir in the taco seasoning mix and water. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens up a bit.
4. Arranging the Taco Shells:
While that’s cooking, take a baking sheet and lightly spray it with cooking spray or rub it with some oil. Stand the hard taco shells upright on the baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced apart.
5. Filling the Tacos:
Now it’s time to fill those shells! Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly into each taco shell. Don’t be shy; pile it in!
6. Adding the Cheese:
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the beef in each shell. The more cheese, the better, right?
7. Baking Time:
Pop the baking sheet with the filled taco shells into the preheated oven. Bake them for about 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the shells are crispy. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
8. Garnishing and Serving:
Once they’re out of the oven, feel free to garnish your tacos with diced onions, tomatoes, and fresh cilantro, if you like. Serve them straight away with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole on the side for dipping.
Enjoy your crispy cheesy ground beef tacos fresh and warm for the ultimate flavor and crunch!
FAQ for Crispy Cheesy Ground Beef Tacos
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a great substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavors may vary slightly. Make sure to cook them thoroughly until no longer pink, as with beef.
Can I Prepare the Taco Filling in Advance?
Yes! You can make the seasoned ground beef filling a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use it, simply reheat it before filling the taco shells.
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover fillings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to keep the taco shells separate to maintain their crispness. You can reheat the filling and assemble fresh tacos when you’re ready to eat!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed vegetables, black beans, or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option. You might want to add extra seasoning to enhance the flavors!
