Quick Baked Ground Beef Tacos: A Family Favorite in Minutes

Tacos are a weeknight staple for a reason: they’re customizable, delicious, and generally easy to prepare. But even the most streamlined taco night can sometimes feel like a time commitment. Enter quick baked ground beef tacos! This method transforms individual tacos into a crowd-pleasing casserole, cutting down on prep time and making serving a breeze. Forget standing over a hot stove – just assemble, bake, and enjoy!

Why Bake Your Tacos?

Traditional tacos, while amazing, require individual assembly, which can be tedious when feeding a crowd. Baking offers several advantages:

• Speed and Efficiency: Assembling all the tacos at once is much faster than making them individually.
• Even Cooking: The oven ensures the filling is heated through and the tortillas become perfectly crispy.
• Customization Made Easy: Set out toppings and let everyone customize their own baked taco masterpiece.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the tacos when you’re ready to bake.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Get the kids involved in assembling the tacos – it’s a great family activity!

The Perfect Ground Beef Taco Filling

The heart of any great taco is the filling. For baked tacos, a flavorful and slightly drier filling works best, preventing soggy tortillas.

Key Ingredients for Flavorful Ground Beef

• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to minimize grease. You can also use ground turkey or chicken.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are essential for building a flavorful base.
• Taco Seasoning: Use a pre-made mix for convenience, or create your own blend (see recipe below).
• Tomato Paste: Adds depth and richness to the filling.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provide moisture and a touch of acidity. You can use canned or fresh, depending on availability.
• Green Chiles: Add a mild kick and extra flavor (optional).
• Water or Beef Broth: Helps to simmer the ingredients and create a cohesive filling.

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

Making your own taco seasoning allows you to control the sodium and spice levels. Here’s a simple recipe:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated onion
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container.

Cooking the Ground Beef Filling

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.

2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the granulated garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

3. Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and green chiles (if using).

4. Add water or beef broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the filling has thickened.

Assembling and Baking Your Tacos

Once your filling is ready, it’s time to assemble the tacos.

Choosing Your Tortillas

• Corn Tortillas: Offer a more authentic flavor and tend to hold up better when baked. Lightly warm them in a dry skillet or microwave before filling to prevent them from cracking.
• Flour Tortillas: Are softer and more pliable. They can become slightly chewy when baked, but many people prefer their mild flavor.

Assembling the Baked Tacos

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. Spoon a generous amount of ground beef filling into each tortilla.

3. Top with shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work well).

4. Fold the tortillas in half and arrange them tightly in the prepared baking dish, seam-side down.

5. Optional: Brush the tops of the tacos with melted butter or olive oil for extra crispiness.

6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Topping and Serving Your Baked Tacos

The best part of taco night is customizing your tacos with your favorite toppings! Here are some popular options:

Classic Toppings

• Shredded Lettuce: Adds freshness and crunch.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provide a burst of flavor.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and tang.
• Guacamole or Avocado: For a rich and healthy topping.
• Salsa: Choose your favorite – mild, medium, or hot!
• Chopped Onion or Green Onions: Adds a sharp bite.
• Cilantro: For a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• Hot Sauce: For those who like a little extra heat.

Creative Topping Ideas

• Pickled Onions: Add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
• Jalapeños: For an extra spicy kick.
• Corn Salsa: A sweet and flavorful addition.
• Black Beans: Add extra protein and fiber.
• Rice: For a heartier meal.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the baked tacos hot, straight from the oven.
• Arrange the tacos on a platter and let everyone choose their own toppings.
• Consider serving with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple salad.

Variations and Tips for Perfect Baked Tacos

Want to mix things up or ensure your baked tacos are a success? Here are some variations and tips:

Different Protein Options

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Shredded Chicken: Use pre-cooked shredded chicken for a quick and easy filling.
• Black Beans: For a vegetarian option, use seasoned black beans as the filling.

Adding Extra Vegetables

• Bell Peppers: Dice bell peppers and add them to the ground beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Corn: Add frozen or canned corn to the filling.
• Zucchini: Diced zucchini can be added to the ground beef while cooking.

Making Ahead and Freezing

• Prepare the filling ahead of time: The ground beef filling can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
• Assemble ahead of time: You can assemble the tacos a few hours before baking. Cover them with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Freezing baked tacos: Baked tacos can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Tips for Preventing Soggy Tacos

• Use lean ground beef: Excess grease can make the tortillas soggy.
• Thicken the filling: Make sure the filling is not too watery. Cook it down until it is nice and thick.
• Warm the tortillas: Warming the tortillas before filling them will make them more pliable and less likely to crack.
• Don’t overfill the tacos: Overfilling the tacos can cause them to become soggy.