Budget Baked Ground Beef Tacos

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (low sodium preferred)
• ¾ cup water
• 12 taco shells (hard or soft, depending on preference)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
• Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped onions, black olives, jalapenos

Step-by-Step

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.

3. Add the taco seasoning packet and water to the skillet with the browned ground beef.

4. Stir well to combine the seasoning and water with the ground beef.

5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the mixture has thickened. Stir occasionally.

6. While the beef mixture is simmering, prepare your baking sheet. You can either line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup or leave it bare.

7. Spoon the ground beef mixture into each taco shell, filling them evenly.

8. Place the filled taco shells on the prepared baking sheet.

9. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top of each taco.

10. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the taco shells are slightly crisp.

11. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before adding your favorite toppings.

12. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Why Budget Baked Ground Beef Tacos Are a Winner

Budget baked ground beef tacos are a fantastic meal option for several reasons. They are incredibly affordable, making them perfect for families on a tight budget.

They’re also easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks. The baking process simplifies the cooking, requiring less hands-on time.

### Affordability and Accessibility

Ground beef is a relatively inexpensive protein source. Utilizing budget-friendly taco seasoning and readily available toppings ensures the meal remains cost-effective.

This recipe is also highly adaptable. You can easily substitute ingredients based on what you already have in your pantry or what’s on sale at your local grocery store.

### Simple Preparation and Minimal Cleanup

The baking method streamlines the cooking process. Simply brown the beef, mix in the seasoning, fill the shells, and bake.

This method also minimizes cleanup. Using parchment paper on the baking sheet further reduces the effort required to clean up after dinner.

### Customizable and Family-Friendly

Tacos are inherently customizable. Everyone can add their preferred toppings, catering to individual tastes and preferences.

This makes it a great option for families with picky eaters. Kids and adults alike will enjoy creating their own personalized tacos.

Variations and Adaptations for Every Palate

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create your own unique version.

### Vegetarian or Vegan Options

To make this recipe vegetarian, simply substitute the ground beef with a plant-based alternative. Lentils, crumbled tofu, or black beans are excellent options.

Ensure your taco seasoning is also vegetarian-friendly. Many brands offer vegetarian or vegan versions. Top with plant-based cheese and other vegetarian-friendly toppings.

### Spicing Things Up

If you enjoy a spicier taco, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapenos to the ground beef mixture. You can also use a spicier taco seasoning.

A drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of spicy salsa on top of the finished tacos will also add an extra kick.

### Low-Carb Alternatives

For a low-carb version, skip the taco shells and serve the seasoned ground beef as a taco salad over a bed of lettuce. Add your favorite low-carb toppings, such as cheese, sour cream, and avocado.

You can also use low-carb tortillas or cheese shells as a substitute for traditional taco shells.

Perfecting Your Baked Taco Technique

While this recipe is straightforward, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve taco perfection.

### Preventing Soggy Taco Shells

To prevent your taco shells from becoming soggy, avoid overfilling them with the ground beef mixture. Also, ensure the beef mixture isn’t too watery.

Baking the tacos on a wire rack placed on top of the baking sheet can also help keep the shells crisp.

### Choosing the Right Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for tacos, but feel free to experiment with other types of cheese. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are all great options.

For a smoother melt, use shredded cheese rather than block cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly.

### Enhancing the Ground Beef Flavor

To enhance the flavor of the ground beef, consider adding some diced onions and garlic to the skillet while browning the meat. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce can also add depth of flavor.

For a richer taste, use a combination of ground beef and ground pork or chorizo.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dish Pairings

These baked ground beef tacos are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of side dishes to create a complete meal.

### Classic Taco Sides

Rice and beans are classic taco side dishes. Spanish rice or Mexican rice pairs perfectly with tacos.

Refried beans, black beans, or pinto beans are all great options. Serve them on the side or as a filling in the tacos themselves.

### Fresh and Flavorful Additions

A simple salad with a lime vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the tacos.

Corn on the cob, either grilled or boiled, is another delicious and summery side dish. Mexican street corn (elote) is an especially flavorful option.

### Make-Ahead Options

Many components of this meal can be prepared in advance. The ground beef mixture can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

You can also chop the vegetables and shred the cheese in advance to save time on the day of cooking.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Tacos

If you have any leftover tacos, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

### Reheating Methods

The best way to reheat baked tacos is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the tacos for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.

You can also reheat the tacos in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for a few minutes per side, or until heated through.

### Maintaining Crispness

To maintain the crispness of the taco shells when reheating, avoid microwaving them. Microwaving will make the shells soggy.

Reheating the tacos in a dry oven or skillet will help to keep them crispy.

FAQ

Can I use soft tortillas instead of hard shells?

Yes, you can absolutely use soft tortillas. They won’t get as crispy in the oven, but they will still be delicious. Consider warming them in a skillet before filling and baking.

Can I freeze these tacos?

While you can freeze them, the texture of the shells may change. It’s better to freeze the ground beef mixture separately and assemble fresh tacos when ready to eat.

What if I don’t have taco seasoning?

You can make your own taco seasoning by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt. There are many recipes available online.

Can I add beans to the ground beef mixture?

Yes, adding beans is a great way to stretch the recipe and add extra fiber and protein. Black beans or pinto beans work well.

What other toppings can I use?

The possibilities are endless! Consider adding guacamole, pico de gallo, shredded cabbage, pickled onions, or a drizzle of lime crema.