Name: Oven-Baked Crispy Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487576H30M14S
Total time: PT-487576H30M14S
Cuisine: Tex‑Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2‑3 Tbsp taco seasoning (store‑bought or homemade); ⅓ cup salsa (optional: plus 4 oz green chiles); 1 cup refried beans; 1–2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend); 8–12 corn or flour tortillas (6″ preferred); Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing; Toppings: lettuce, diced tomato, sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, lime wedges, hot sauce (optional)

These oven-baked tacos have perfectly crisp shells, a savory ground beef filling, and a generous layer of melty cheese. I love making them for Taco Tuesdays or whenever I need to feed a crowd without standing over the stove. Oven-Baked Crispy Tacos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like that these tacos come together quickly, but still taste like they’ve been fussed over. The shells get delightfully crunchy in the oven, and the combination of seasoned beef, beans, and cheese is pure comfort food. I also appreciate that I can prep everything ahead of time, pop them in the oven, and have dinner ready in minutes. Plus, I can easily swap in chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian filling depending on who’s coming to dinner.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef
2–3 Tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
⅓ cup salsa (optional: plus 4 oz green chiles)
1 cup refried beans
1–2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
8–12 corn or flour tortillas (6″ preferred)
Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing
Toppings: lettuce, diced tomato, sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, lime wedges, hot sauce (optional)

directions

I preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a skillet over medium heat, I brown the ground beef, then stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, and green chiles if I’m using them. I cook until it’s fragrant and well combined, draining any excess fat if necessary.
I arrange the tortillas on the baking sheet and lightly spray or brush both sides with oil.
I spread about ¼ cup of the beef mixture onto one side of each tortilla, add a spoonful of refried beans, and sprinkle with cheese.
I bake them uncovered for about 10 minutes, until the cheese melts.
I fold each tortilla over the filling, flatten gently, and bake another 5–10 minutes until the shells are golden and crispy.
I remove them from the oven and serve them warm with my favorite toppings.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8–12 tacos, depending on tortilla size and filling amount. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15–20 minutes to cook, so I can have them ready in around 25–30 minutes total.

Variations

I sometimes swap the beef for ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version. I’ve also tried adding sautéed peppers and onions to the filling for extra flavor and texture. If I’m making them for spice lovers, I’ll stir in chopped jalapeños or use a spicy cheese blend.

storage/reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them crispy, I reheat them in the oven at 350 °F for about 8–10 minutes, or in the air fryer for 4–5 minutes. I avoid microwaving because it makes the shells soggy.

FAQs

How do I prevent the tortillas from cracking?

I use warmed or room-temperature tortillas before filling them, which keeps them pliable and easy to fold.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble the tacos up to the first bake step, refrigerate them, and then finish baking right before serving.

Can I freeze oven-baked tacos?

I can freeze them after the first bake. I let them cool, wrap individually, and store in a freezer bag. They reheat best in the oven from frozen.

What’s the best cheese for these tacos?

I usually go for cheddar or a Mexican blend, but pepper jack is great for extra heat.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, I use corn tortillas to make them gluten-free.

Conclusion

These oven-baked tacos are one of my go-to dinners when I want something fast, satisfying, and easy to customize. I love the crispy shells, the hearty filling, and the fact that I can load them up with all my favorite toppings. They’re just as perfect for a casual family meal as they are for a game-day spread.