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A close-up of crispy ground beef tacos after being baked in the oven, with golden shells and bubbly cheese.

Oven-Baked Tacos: The Ultimate Recipe for a Crispy Crunch

Discover the easiest way to make perfectly crispy and delicious Oven-Baked Tacos. This foolproof recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd and guarantees a crunchy, non-soggy taco every time. A weeknight dinner game-changer!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 tacos
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Ground Beef 80/20 or 85/15 recommended
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning about 1 ounce
  • 2/3 cup Water or beef broth
  • 12 Hard Taco Shells
  • 2 cups Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese or cheddar cheese

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 Baking Sheet

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease.
  3. Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
  4. Arrange the empty taco shells standing up on a baking sheet. Bake for 3-4 minutes to crisp them up.
  5. Carefully remove the hot shells from the oven. Spoon the beef mixture into each shell, then top generously with shredded cheese.
  6. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 7-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the shells are golden.
  7. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, and sour cream.

Notes

Tip 1: Pre-baking the shells is the most important step for ensuring they stay crispy!
Tip 2: Shred your own cheese from a block for the best melting results.
Tip 3: Don't overfill the tacos, as this can cause them to become soggy and fall apart.