Baked beef tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the savory flavors of seasoned ground beef with the satisfying crunch of baked taco shells. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The beef filling is cooked with a blend of spices, then loaded into crispy taco shells, topped with cheese, and baked until everything is perfectly melted and golden. These tacos are versatile and can be customized with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole. The baking process ensures that the tacos are warm, crispy, and full of flavor, making them a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 10-12 hard taco shells
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, sliced jalapeños
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Season the beef: Stir in the taco seasoning mix, tomato sauce, and water. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Fill the taco shells: Arrange the taco shells in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon the beef mixture into each shell, filling them evenly.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the filled taco shells.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the tacos cool slightly. Top with your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy baked beef tacos!
