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Are you ready for a fun and tasty meal? Crispy baked ground beef tacos are your answer! With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dish that’s full of flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, these tacos will impress everyone at your table. Let’s dive into making this delicious and easy meal that will delight your taste buds!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crispy Deliciousness: Baking the tacos gives them a satisfying crunch without the need for frying.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients or add your favorite toppings to make these tacos your own.
- Family-Friendly: These tacos are a hit with both kids and adults, making them a great choice for family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
The main ingredients are simple and packed with flavor. Ground beef gives a rich taste. Black beans add protein and fiber. Corn kernels bring sweetness and texture to the mix.
Seasoning Components
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
Seasoning is key for delicious tacos. Chili powder adds warmth and depth. Cumin lends a warm, earthy flavor. Paprika brings a sweet touch. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors.
Tortilla and Topping Options
– 12 small corn tortillas
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, avocado slices
Corn tortillas are perfect for crispy shells. They hold the filling well and add crunch. Toppings let you personalize your tacos. Use diced tomatoes for freshness. Add shredded lettuce for crunch. Sour cream and avocado add creaminess.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Preheat the oven: Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for crispy tacos.
– Cook the beef and onions: In a large skillet, heat over medium. Add 1 pound of ground beef and 1 small chopped onion. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. The beef should turn brown and the onion should get soft. If there’s extra grease, drain it off.
Cooking the Filling
– Season the beef: Next, stir in 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes. This will bring out the smell of the spices.
– Mix in beans and corn: Now, add 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed) and 1 cup of corn. Mix everything well. Cook for another 3-5 minutes to heat it through. Then, turn off the heat.
Assembling the Tacos
– Create the taco shells: Lightly spray each of the 12 corn tortillas on both sides with cooking spray. Place them in a muffin tin or taco holder. Shape them into a U-form to make taco shells.
– Fill and bake the tacos: Spoon the beef mixture into each tortilla shell. Top with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The tortillas will get crispy and the cheese will melt.
Serve these tasty tacos with your favorite toppings, like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or avocado slices. Enjoy your crispy baked ground beef tacos!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Crispy Shells
To get crispy taco shells, you want to spray your tortillas well. Hold the cooking spray about 6 inches from the tortilla. Make sure to coat both sides evenly. This helps them crisp up nicely in the oven.
Using a muffin tin is a smart way to shape your tacos. Just lay the sprayed tortillas in the cups of the tin. This keeps them upright and helps them hold their shape. You can also use a taco holder if you have one. Both methods work great!
Flavor Enhancements
Spices can make a big difference. You can add more chili powder or even some cayenne for heat. If you like it mild, stick to the recipe.
Fresh herbs can brighten up your tacos. Try adding chopped cilantro or green onions as a garnish. They add color and extra flavor. You can even squeeze fresh lime juice on top for a zesty kick!
Pro Tips
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (at least 80% lean) to reduce grease in your tacos, ensuring a crispy shell without excess fat.
- Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Add more chili powder for heat or some oregano for a unique flavor twist.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This makes assembly quick and easy on busy nights.
- Crispier Shells: For extra crispy shells, bake the tortilla cups for a few minutes before adding the filling and cheese.

Variations
Alternative Protein Options
You can switch things up by using different proteins. Ground turkey or chicken works great. These options are leaner and still pack flavor. If you want a meat-free meal, try lentils. They cook fast and blend well with spices. Both choices keep your tacos tasty and healthy.
Flavor Profile Adjustments
Spice lovers can add jalapeños for a kick. Just chop them finely and mix them in with the beef. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. It adds a nice, creamy heat to each bite. These small tweaks can make your tacos stand out. Feel free to explore and find the flavors you love!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your crispy baked ground beef tacos fresh, store them right. First, let the tacos cool to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavor and moisture in. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days.
If you want to save them longer, freezing is an option. For the filling, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out the air and seal it tightly. You can freeze the filling for up to three months. For the shells, you can freeze them separately, too. Just make sure they are fully cooled before you freeze.
Reheating Instructions
When it’s time to enjoy your tacos again, reheating is key. To keep the shells crispy, the oven is your best friend. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tacos on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 10-12 minutes. This will help the shells crisp up again.
If you want to reheat the filling, use a skillet. Heat it over medium heat and stir until it’s hot. This usually takes about 5 minutes. You can also add a splash of water to keep it moist. Just be careful not to overcook it. Enjoy your leftovers just like the first time!
FAQs
How do I make tacos crispy?
To make tacos crispy, you can use a few simple techniques. First, lightly spray each tortilla with cooking spray on both sides. This step helps the tortillas crisp up nicely when baked.
Next, shape the tortillas into U-shapes by placing them in a muffin tin or taco holder. The tin keeps them upright, allowing for even baking. Bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes. The result is a delicious crunch.
Can I use flour tortillas instead?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas instead of corn. However, there are some key differences. Corn tortillas are thinner and crisp up better, while flour tortillas are softer and chewier.
If you choose flour tortillas, bake them for a bit longer to achieve the right crispness. You may also want to use a bit more cooking spray to help them get crispy.
What are the best toppings for tacos?
Toppings can really enhance your taco experience. Popular options include diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and sour cream. You can also add avocado slices for creaminess.
Feel free to customize your toppings based on what you like. Consider adding fresh cilantro or jalapeños for extra flavor. The choice is yours!
In this post, we explored how to make delicious tacos with ground beef, beans, and corn. We covered the best spices to use and how to create crispy shells. You learned tips for flavor enhancements and alternative protein options. Finally, we shared how to store leftovers and reheat them for the best taste. Enjoy making these tasty tacos and customize them as you like. Cooking can be fun, and these easy steps help you enjoy every bit
Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos
Delicious and crispy baked tacos filled with seasoned ground beef, black beans, and cheese.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1 spray cooking spray
- to taste optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, avocado slices
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
Add the black beans and corn to the skillet, mixing well to combine. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.
Lightly spray each tortilla on both sides with cooking spray. Lay them in the cups of a muffin tin or taco holder, forming a U-shape to create taco shells.
Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each tortilla shell. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Carefully remove the tacos from the muffin tin and transfer them to a serving platter. Top with your favorite toppings, such as diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, or avocado slices.
Arrange the tacos on a colorful platter with toppings displayed in small bowls for a fun DIY taco station!
Keyword baked, beef, crispy, tacos
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