Taco night just got better with these Crispy Beef Tacos. Seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and crispy tortillas come together in just 40 minutes for an easy, weeknight friendly dinner that never disappoints.
We make a lot of taco recipes around here, from these Crispy Beef Tacos to my Crispy Chicken Tacos, but this one is always my go-to when I need something quick and easy. I love how crunchy the corn tortillas get, especially when baked, and how simple they are to customize with whatever toppings we have on hand. They're easy, reliable, and always a hit on busy weeknights.
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After years of cooking for my family, I've made my fair share of taco recipes, and having a few reliable favorites makes weeknight dinners so much easier. From slow-cooked options like my Carnitas Tacos to quick dinners like Quick Tacos Al Pastor, a little variety keeps taco night from ever getting boring.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
This recipe uses simple taco night staples, with plenty of easy swaps depending on what you have on hand.
- Ground Beef - I like using 80/20 for these tacos. Other proteins like ground turkey, chicken, or pork can also be used.
- Onion - Diced yellow or white onions for flavor.
- Tomato Paste - Adds a deep, rich flavor that enhances the seasonings.
- Cheese - Shredded cheddar cheese, taco blend, or a combination of your favorite Mexican cheeses. I like using a mixture of cheddar and queso fresco.
- Tortillas - For a crispy texture, corn tortillas are the way to go. If needed, flour tortillas can be used. When it comes to white or yellow corn tortillas, they both work great!
- Seasonings - A handful of seasonings are used to flavor the meat: ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, chipotle powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Or you can use your favorite taco seasoning.
How to Make Crispy Beef Tacos
These tacos are easy to make and can be cooked two ways depending on what you prefer. I usually bake them when I need dinner fast or need to focus on other things. But pan-frying is a great option when you want extra crunch.
Here is the Oven-Baked Method
Step 1
Brown the meat in a large skillet. Once fully cooked, drain off the fat.
Step 2
Return the meat to the pan and stir in the tomato paste, water and seasonings.
Step 3
Place the tacos on a parchment lined baking sheet and brush one side with oil. Fill the tortillas with meat and cheese and fold over the tops.
Step 4
Bake for 8-10 minutes, flip and continue baking for another 8-10 minutes. Serve with your choice of toppings. Enjoy!
See the recipe card below for the full recipe.
Pan-Fried Crispy Beef Tacos Method
If you want extra crispiness, and have a little more time on your hands, pan-frying is a great option. Here is the process:
- Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the filled tacos in batches, flipping once, until golden and crisp on both sides. More oil will need to be added to the skillet after each batch.
- Place on a paper towel lined plate before serving.
What to Serve with Crispy Beef Tacos
These tacos are great on their own but pairing them with a few simple sides makes taco night feel complete. Here are some of our favorite options:
- Spanish Rice is a classic and always a family favorite alongside tacos.
- Refried Beans are always a great choice to serve with tacos. When serving these tacos with refried beans I like to make some of the tacos with just beans and cheese!
- Homemade Salsa is perfect for dipping the tacos in or serving with chips on the side.
- Guacamole is perfect for dipping or spooning right onto the tacos. This is my favorite topping!
- A simple Black Bean Salad adds freshness and balances the crispy tacos nicely.
- Or just a simple hot sauce is always great!
👉Sky's Tips
- Warm the tortillas before filling them so they don't crack.
- Brush or lightly oil the tortillas for maximum crispiness.
- If baking, flip carefully using a spatula to keep the tacos intact.
Tips for Reheating
Store tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until crispy. You can also reheat them in a 350°F air fryer for just a few minutes.
These Crispy Beef Tacos are one of those easy dinners everyone looks forward to. With seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and perfectly crispy tortillas, they're a simple, satisfying option for taco night. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
-Sky🩷
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📖 Recipe
Crispy Beef Tacos
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- ¾ cup yellow or white onion small diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- As Needed pepper
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder or cayenne powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons water
- 4 cups shredded cheese such as cheddar, Mexican blend or queso fresco
- 16-20 soft corn tortillas
- As Needed olive oil or any neutral tasting oil
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium high heat begin browning the meat. Crumbling as it cooks. Once the meat is halfway through cooking add in the onions and continue cooking until done.
- Add in the garlic, cook for 30 seconds then remove from the heat and drain off the fat.
- Return the meat to the skillet, over medium-low heat, then stir in the tomato paste and water. Once the tomato paste and water have been fully incorporated add in all of the seasonings. Stir to combine. Remove from the heat.
- Preheat an oven up to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and brush with olive oil. Place the tortillas in a damp towel, cover completely, and warm in the microwave for 20 seconds. Flip and microwave for 20 more seconds.
- Brush one side of a tortilla with olive oil, place that side down on the prepared pan. Place some of the beef mixture and shredded cheese on one side of the tortilla, fold over, press down gently and repeat until all of the meat and cheese are used.
- Place in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Remove from the oven and carefully flip each taco. Place back in the oven and bake for another 8-10 more minutes. Serve with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Notes
- Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the filled tacos in batches, flipping once, until golden and crisp on both sides. More oil will need to be added to the skillet after each batch.
- Place on a paper towel lined plate before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can prepare the beef filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, assemble the tacos and bake or fry just before serving for the best crispy texture.
Absolutely! These tacos can be pan-fried in a skillet with a small amount of oil until golden and crispy on both sides.
Yes, flour tortillas can be used in place of the corn tortillas. Keep in mind they won't get quite as crispy as corn tortillas, but they will still be delicious!
Anonymous says
Easy to make and so good!