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Crispy Beef Tacos (Baked Not Fried!)

Crispy Beef Tacos (Baked Not Fried!)

Enjoy crispy beef tacos that are baked, not fried, offering all the crunchy goodness without the extra oil. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8 tacos
Calories 322 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Sheets
  • Skillet
  • Microwave
  • Food processor

Ingredients
  

For the tacos

  • 1 Tbsp. oil can use canola, vegetable, or olive oil
  • 1 lb. ground beef 85% lean/15% fat or 90/10
  • 2 Tbsp. taco seasoning from a packet for convenience
  • ½ cup water
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 whole lime juiced
  • 1 4 oz. can diced green chiles
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
  • 8 oz. colby jack cheese shredded, divided
  • 8-10 6-inch white or yellow corn tortillas

Chipotle crema

  • ½ cup Mexican crema or sour cream
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 1 tsp. honey or sugar
  • ½ lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic
  • salt to taste

For serving

  • sour cream
  • shredded lettuce finely chopped
  • fresh cilantro
  • pico de gallo
  • guacamole
  • pickled red onions

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly oil or spray 2 baking sheets with nonstick spray. Set aside.
  • Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a medium sized skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, drain the excess fat.
  • Return to the burner and add in the taco seasoning, water, garlic, lime juice, diced green chiles, salt, and pepper to taste.
  • Cook until most of the moisture has evaporated, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese and stir until combined. Turn off the burner & remove from heat.
  • Wrap the tortillas in a slightly damp paper towel and microwave for 45-60 seconds, flipping them halfway through.
  • Spread about ¼ cup of the beef mixture down on one half of the tortilla. Top with a little bit of shredded cheese.
  • Fold the tortilla over to seal. Lightly brush the top of the tortilla with just a little more oil.
  • Repeat with remaining taco filling and tortillas, being careful not to fill them too much.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until hot and crispy! (no need to flip)
  • While they are baking, make the chipotle crema by blitzing everything in a food processor until smooth. Adjust according to your preferences.
  • Serve the tacos with your favorite toppings and the crema.

Notes

Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for 10 minutes or in the microwave for about 1 minute.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tacoCalories: 322kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 18gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 521mgPotassium: 246mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 631IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 229mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Baked Not Fried, Beef Tacos, Crispy Beef Tacos, Easy Taco Recipe, Tacos, weeknight dinner
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