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Crispy baked beef tacos with melted cheese and fresh garnishes on a baking sheet.
Emily Carter

Baked Beef Tacos

These budget-friendly baked beef tacos are packed with a savory ground beef and bean filling, then baked until crispy.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 512

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 lean
  • 1 small onion grated
  • 1 4-ounce can diced green chilies undrained
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 12 fajita-size flour tortillas 6-inch
  • ¾ cup canned refried beans
  • ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil such as vegetable or canola
Optional Garnishes
  • ½ cup sour cream for serving
  • ½ cup salsa for serving
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce for serving

Equipment

  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 2 Baking sheets
  • 1 Parchment paper
  • 1 Spatula or spoon for mixing and spreading
  • 1 Pastry brush for oil

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. If available, use the convection setting for extra crispiness. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, undrained diced green chilies, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed, being careful not to overmix.
  3. Take one flour tortilla and spread about 1 tablespoon of refried beans over one half. Spoon approximately 3 tablespoons of the seasoned meat mixture onto the same half. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese.
  4. Fold the tortilla over the filling and gently press down to keep it closed. Place the assembled taco seam-side down on one of the prepared baking sheets. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling, arranging 6 tacos per sheet.
  5. Lightly brush both sides of each taco with neutral oil. This step is crucial for achieving a golden, crispy exterior.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, flipping the tacos halfway through. The tacos are done when the beef is cooked through (internal temperature 160°F), the tortillas are browned with crisp edges, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute or two before serving. Serve immediately with your desired garnishes like sour cream, salsa, or shredded lettuce.

Notes

For an even crispier shell, use your oven's convection setting if available. Don't overfill the tortillas to prevent them from bursting during baking.
Leftover baked tacos store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. They also freeze beautifully for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, bake in a 375°F oven until heated through and crispy. Brushing with a little extra oil before reheating can help restore crispness.