– **Title**: Ground Beef Baked Tacos
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 ounce)
– 2/3 cup water
– 12 taco shells
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded lettuce
– 1 medium tomato, diced
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 avocado, sliced
– 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
– Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
5. Place the taco shells in a baking dish. Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each taco shell.
6. Top the filled taco shells with shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, sour cream, avocado slices, and black olives, if using.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Enjoy your warm and delicious Ground Beef Baked Tacos!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually go for lean ground beef to keep it a bit healthier, but you can swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as lentils need less time to prepare!
Onion: A small onion adds flavor without overpowering the dish. If you don’t have onions, you can use shallots for a milder taste or even onion powder if you’re in a pinch.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought is convenient, but I love making my own mix with chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Feel free to customize the spices based on your taste. Just remember, control the heat by adjusting the amount you use.
Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas have great texture, but flour tortillas work too. If you’re gluten-free, look for corn or alternative tortillas available in stores.
Cheese: I prefer a mix of sharp cheddar and a Mexican blend for that extra punch. If you want to keep it dairy-free, try vegan cheese or skip it entirely – the tacos will still be delicious!
How Do You Make Sure Your Tacos Don’t Fall Apart?
To keep those tacos intact, start with the salsa at the bottom of your baking dish. It acts like glue. When filling the tortillas, only add about 2 tablespoons of filling inside and fold gently. Arrange the tacos snugly together so they hold each other up during baking.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for even cooking.
- Spread salsa lightly in the baking dish for easy lifting later.
- Keep the folded tacos tightly packed in the dish for added support.
- Bake until the cheese is bubbly; this helps seal everything together.
How to Make Ground Beef Baked Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or use homemade seasoning)
- 1 cup water
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend)
- 1 cup salsa
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, giving you a total of around 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll be enjoying these delicious baked tacos in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure the tacos bake evenly and the cheese gets perfectly bubbly!
2. Cook the Onion and Garlic:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and let it cook for about one more minute until you can smell that wonderful aroma.
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Now it’s time to add the ground beef to the skillet. Use your spatula to break it up as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat if needed!
4. Add Seasoning and Simmer:
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for another 5 minutes. This will help thicken it up a bit and really combine those flavors!
5. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Take a baking dish and spread a spoonful of salsa across the bottom. This helps prevent the tacos from sticking. Now you’re ready to fill those tortillas!
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Take a tortilla and place about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture down the center. Sprinkle on a handful of shredded cheese. Fold the tortilla in half to create a taco shape. Place it in the baking dish. Repeat this with the remaining tortillas and filling, packing the tacos snugly together.
7. Top and Bake:
After you’ve arranged all the tacos in the dish, pour any leftover salsa on top and sprinkle the remaining cheese all over. Now, pop your baking dish into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re out of the oven, allow the tacos to cool for a few minutes. You can garnish them with fresh cilantro if you’d like, and serve them with sour cream on the side. Enjoy your delicious baked tacos!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just follow the same cooking instructions. You may want to add a little extra seasoning to enhance the flavor since turkey can be milder than beef.
What If I Don’t Have Corn Tortillas?
No problem! You can substitute with flour tortillas, taco shells, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly, especially with pre-made shells.
How to Store Leftover Baked Tacos?
Store any leftover baked tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or you can microwave them for a quicker option!
Can I Make the Beef Mixture Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat it before assembling the tacos, and then follow the baking instructions as usual.
