I love this family favorite because not only are they easy, but they’re delicious and healthy! You can get as creative as you want with the toppings. We like sour cream, salsa, chopped white onion and cilantro, and fresh squeezed limes. No need to deep fry tortillas with this baked taco recipe. If you like this, then you’ll love my Asian Glazed Meatballs!
Every time I make these, they’re gone in less than 24 hours, thanks to my husband who is a firm believer in this droolworthy ground beef and cheddar cheese taco recipe! When I prepare these, I always make sure to chop a white onion, cilantro, and limes for the best garnishes. We grew up in southern California and absolutely love all Mexican food and cannot eat enough of it.
How to Make Easy Baked Beef Tacos
1). Add the ground beef to a skillet and cook on medium heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s thoroughly browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Add the taco seasoning and mix well. Remove from heat. Drain the fat.
2). Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray.
3). Stuff about 2 tablespoons cooked ground beef down the center of each tortilla. Top with 1-2 tablespoons cheddar. Lie the tacos down on the baking sheet, gently pressing each one down your hands and holding the pressure firm for about 30 seconds to keep the taco sticking together.
4). Bake in the oven for 16-20 minutes, until the tortillas are golden and the cheese is melted.
5). While the tacos are baking, chop the two tomatoes and white onion, cilantro, and limes, if using.
6). Serve tacos warm with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and any other desired garnish.
Benefits of Beef
Beef is red meat that contains higher amounts of iron than chicken or fish, according to this Healthline article. Also, fresh lean beef is rich in various vitamins and minerals, particularly iron and zinc. Therefore, moderate amounts of beef can be recommended as part of a healthy diet.
Meat is primarily comprised of protein. Animal protein such as beef contains all nine essential amino acids necessary for the growth and maintenance of the human body. As the building blocks of proteins, amino acids are critical from a health perspective. Their composition varies widely, depending on the source.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
If you prefer to make your own homemade taco seasoning, feel free! In my opinion, homemade versions taste better and are better for you as they don’t contain any additives or preservatives, like store-bought taco seasoning. I haven’t bought store-bought seasonings in years as I always make my own taco, fajita, and meat seasonings.
Use a spoon to mix the following homemade taco seasoning recipe ingredients in a small bowl:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: a dash of cayenne is a great addition if you’re not feeding kids
If you like this, then you’ll love these recipes:
Copycat Hot Dog on a Stick Corn Dog Recipe
Mexican Street Corn (Elotes Mexicanos)
Sheet Pan Elote Mexican Street Corn Nachos
Final Thoughts
Finally, if you make these Easy Baked Beef Tacos, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this recipe and always try my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your recipe photos!
Easy Baked Beef Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 90% lean
- 1 package taco seasoning or homemade*
- 20 corn tortillas (6-inch) warmed
- 2 cups cheddar grated
- shredded lettuce
- 2 tomatoes diced
- sour cream, salsa, diced onion, chopped cilantro, fresh lime for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Add the ground beef to a skillet and cook on medium heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s thoroughly browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Add the taco seasoning and mix well. Remove from heat. Drain the fat.
- Preheat oven to 350º F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray.
- Stuff about 2 tablespoons cooked ground beef down the center of each tortilla. Top with 1-2 tablespoons cheddar. Lie the tacos down on the baking sheet, gently pressing each one down your hands and holding the pressure firm for about 30 seconds to keep the taco sticking together.
- Bake in the oven for 16-20 minutes, until the tortillas are golden and the cheese is melted.
- While the tacos are baking, chop the two tomatoes and white onion, cilantro, and limes, if using.
- Serve tacos warm with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and any other desired garnish.
Notes
Nutrition (per serving)
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