If you are a fan of tacos but want to skip the fuss of assembling them individually, this Baked Ground Beef Tacos Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to meal. Imagine crispy taco shells filled with a rich, spiced ground beef mixture smeared in luscious tomato sauce and topped with a glorious layer of melted cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection in the oven. It’s a delightful way to enjoy all the best taco flavors in one convenient, crowd-pleasing casserole that is as simple to make as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Ground Beef Tacos Recipe calls for straightforward pantry essentials that pack serious flavor, texture, and a beautiful burst of color. Each ingredient plays its part perfectly to balance the savory, spicy, and cheesy elements that make this dish unforgettable.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty, protein-packed base that becomes tender and flavorful when cooked just right.
- 1 cup tomato puree: Adds lush tomato richness and helps bind the seasoning together for that classic taco sauce taste.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the sauce with a deep, concentrated tomato flavor and a touch of sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin: Brings earthy warmth and a signature taco spice aroma.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano: Adds a subtle herbal note to complement the cumin.
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Gives just the right kick of heat to enliven the beef without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances savory depth that melds beautifully with all the spices.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: A sweet, mellow flavor that supports the umami of the beef.
- 1 teaspoon paprika powder: Provides smokiness and vibrant color.
- 1.5 cups grated cheese (cheddar, gouda, or similar): Melted golden goodness that creates a luscious blanket topping every taco shell.
- 12 taco shells: The crunchy vessel for stuffing your tasty beef and cheese, adding satisfying texture.
How to Make Baked Ground Beef Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the cheese will melt beautifully and those taco shells will turn perfectly crisp and golden in the next steps.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it up frequently as it cooks, stirring until no pink remains. The beef should be fully browned to develop a rich flavor base for the filling.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Once browned, sprinkle in all the spices: cumin, oregano, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir them well throughout the beef for that iconic taco seasoning, infusing every bite with warmth and complexity.
Step 4: Add the Tomato Paste
Mix in the tomato paste and continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes. This extra cooking removes any bitterness and deepens the overall taste, making the sauce smoother and more balanced.
Step 5: Stir in Tomato Puree
Pour in the tomato puree and stir everything together. Let it simmer briefly for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken without drying out the beef.
Step 6: Fill the Taco Shells
Arrange your taco shells standing upright in a casserole dish, then spoon in 1 to 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture into each shell, making sure each one gets a hearty portion filled to the brim.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Bake
Generously sprinkle the grated cheese over each filled taco shell and slide the casserole into the oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbling, creating a golden, gooey topping.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, serve the tacos immediately with your preferred fresh toppings to add even more layers of flavor and texture. Your crowd will appreciate the ease and taste of this comforting dish!
How to Serve Baked Ground Beef Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
The fun with baked tacos is personalizing each bite. Classic garnishes like cool sour cream, vibrant salsa, creamy avocado slices, fresh cilantro, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, seasoned beans, or sweet corn all pair beautifully with the warm, cheesy beef filling. Choose your favorites for a delicious contrast of flavors and textures.
Side Dishes
Complement this Baked Ground Beef Tacos Recipe perfectly with simple sides that round out the meal. Mexican rice, refried beans, or even a crisp garden salad add freshness and balance to the hearty casserole. For a lighter touch, a tangy coleslaw or pickled veggies also work wonders.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these baked tacos right from the casserole dish for a rustic family-style meal, or arrange them beautifully on a serving platter with colorful garnishes scattered around. For a fun twist, add layers of refried beans or rice beneath the tacos in the dish before topping with beef and cheese for a loaded taco bake experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover baked taco casserole into an airtight container and refrigerate. The dish will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient next-day lunch or dinner option that tastes just as fantastic.
Freezing
You can also freeze the leftover tacos by wrapping the casserole tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. For best results, consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is again melted. You can also microwave single servings, but oven reheating helps maintain the crisp taco shell texture better.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for this Baked Ground Beef Tacos Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is the classic choice, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes can work beautifully if you want a variation or a lighter option.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe has a mild spice level thanks to cayenne pepper, but you can adjust it to your taste by adding more or less or incorporating fresh jalapeños or hot sauce.
What cheese works best for melting on these tacos?
Cheddar and gouda are fantastic for their excellent melting qualities and flavor. You can also mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder, creamier topping.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to pick taco shells labeled gluten-free or use crispy corn tortillas that fit your dietary needs.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely. It’s a great make-ahead dish since you can prepare it in advance, store it in the fridge, and simply reheat when ready to eat, making busy weeknights much easier.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Baked Ground Beef Tacos Recipe, you might wonder why you’ve never baked your tacos before! It’s a fun, straightforward twist on a family favorite that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a cozy dinner for two, this dish is sure to become a cherished staple in your recipe collection. So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to fall in love with tacos all over again!
Print
Baked Ground Beef Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings (12 tacos)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These baked ground beef tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make meal featuring a spiced ground beef mixture simmered in tomato sauce, filled into crispy taco shells, topped with melted cheese, and baked to perfection. Perfect for a quick dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika powder
Taco Assembly
- 1.5 cups grated cheese (cheddar, gouda, or similar)
- 12 taco shells
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the tacos later.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until no longer pink, breaking it up continuously to ensure even cooking.
- Add Spices: Stir in the ground cumin, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika powder thoroughly to coat the beef evenly with the spices.
- Add Tomato Paste: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. This step reduces the raw and bitter taste of tomato paste and deepens the flavor.
- Add Tomato Puree: Pour the tomato puree into the pan, stir well with the beef and spices, and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Assemble Tacos: Place the 12 taco shells upright in a casserole dish. Fill each shell with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the ground beef mixture evenly.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle grated cheese evenly on top of the filled taco shells. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately with optional toppings such as sour cream, salsa, avocados, cilantro, tomatoes, lettuce, beans, or corn.
Notes
- Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and gouda for a richer flavor.
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat based on your preference.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure taco shells are corn-based and check labels for additives.
- Leftover taco filling can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Feel free to add any fresh toppings to customize your tacos to your taste.
