Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 8 oz shredded cheese (cheddar, monterey jack, Mexican blend, or pepper jack for extra spice)
- 8 corn tortillas (white or yellow)
- Olive oil (for brushing)
Toppings (optional)
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Salsa (pico de gallo or corn salsa suggested)
- Lettuce
- Pickled jalapeños
- Queso
Instructions
- Preheat and Brown Beef: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and broken into crumbles. Drain any excess grease for a leaner taco filling.
- Season the Meat: Add the taco seasoning to the cooked beef following the package instructions, stirring well to coat the meat evenly with spices.
- Prepare Tortillas: Lay the corn tortillas flat on a baking sheet. Generously brush both sides of each tortilla with olive oil to ensure crispiness when baked.
- Fill and Fold Tacos: Divide the seasoned beef evenly among the tortillas, placing the meat on only one side of each tortilla. Top with shredded cheese, reserving some cheese for the tops. Carefully fold each tortilla in half to form tacos, gently holding them closed. Small tears in tortillas are acceptable and will crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the folded tacos. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the tacos are golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted thoroughly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, lettuce, pickled jalapeños, or queso. Enjoy warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use corn tortillas for authentic flavor and better crispness compared to flour tortillas.
- Brush tortillas generously with olive oil to help prevent sogginess and promote even browning.
- If tortillas break while folding, don’t worry—they will still crisp up and hold together once baked.
- Adjust the type of cheese based on your heat preference: pepper jack adds spice, while cheddar or Mexican blend offer milder flavors.
- For a gluten-free option, verify taco seasoning is gluten-free or make your own spice mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
