These Easy Crispy Cheesy Ground Beef Tacos are a crowd-pleaser! With a crunchy shell and juicy beef, they’re perfect for a tasty dinner that everyone can enjoy.
Don’t forget the cheese—it makes everything better! I love piling them high with toppings, and honestly, who can resist a taco night? 🌮✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 85% lean beef for the right balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken work great too, just keep an eye on cooking time as they can be leaner.
Taco Seasoning: A packet of taco seasoning makes life easy, but you can easily mix your own using spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano. Freshly ground spices can really amp up the flavor!
Taco Shells: Hard corn taco shells add crunch, but feel free to use soft tortillas if you prefer. You can also bake corn tortillas in muffin tins to create your own crispy taco bowls!
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack blend beautifully, but mozzarella or pepper jack can spice things up. For a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese or simply skip it—toppings can shine on their own!
How Do I Ensure My Tacos Stay Crispy?
Crispy tacos are the ultimate goal! To keep your shells from getting soggy, follow these tips:
- Before filling, pre-bake taco shells in the oven for a few minutes. This creates a barrier against moisture.
- Include a bit of cheese at the bottom of the shell before adding the meat. It acts as a moisture barrier!
- Don’t overload the tacos—add the meat, then top with veggies and cheese to keep everything on top.
Having everything at room temperature also helps, as it reduces condensation that could make your tacos soggy!
Easy Crispy Cheesy Ground Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade equivalent)
- 2/3 cup water
- 12 hard taco shells
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup chopped fresh lettuce (romaine or iceberg)
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Optional: lime wedges, sour cream, salsa, cilantro for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and cooking the beef, and then around 15-20 minutes baking and assembling the tacos. It’s a quick and tasty dinner option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break the beef into small crumbles with a spatula as it cooks, and cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.
2. Add Garlic and Seasoning:
Once the beef is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook it for another minute, just until it smells good! Then, drain out any excess fat if there’s a lot. Next, sprinkle in the taco seasoning mix and add the water. Stir well and let it simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. This helps to thicken the sauce and coat the beef.
3. Prepare the Taco Shells:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, arrange the taco shells standing up on a baking sheet. Don’t worry! They can be a little wobbly.
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Now for the fun part! Spoon the seasoned ground beef evenly into each taco shell. Layer on the chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and red onion on top of the beef.
5. Add Cheese and Bake:
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top of each taco. Bake the tacos in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the taco shells are nice and crispy.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Take the tacos out of the oven and serve them hot! Garnish with lime wedges, sour cream, salsa, and fresh cilantro if you like. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy ground beef tacos!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just be sure to cook it until it’s completely browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, try using spicy taco seasoning or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. You can also top your tacos with jalapeños or a spicy salsa for extra zing!
Can I Prepare the Beef Mix Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can cook the ground beef mixture a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove before filling your taco shells.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
If you have leftover tacos, it’s best to store the components separately to keep the shells crispy. Store the beef and toppings in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef in the skillet before assembling the tacos again!
