Crispy Baked Tacos with Beef and Beans Recipe
Crispy Baked Tacos with a savory filling of seasoned lean ground beef and refried beans, layered with melted Mexican cheese blend and baked to perfection. These tacos offer a delicious, easy-to-make meal that combines classic taco flavors with a crispy baked shell for a satisfying crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 tacos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Beef and Bean Filling
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 ounce can refried beans
- ½ cup beef broth
Tacos
- 10 8-inch flour tortillas
- 1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar cheese, or Cheddar Jack cheese)
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a 10×15 inch or larger baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and return the beef to the skillet.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and ½ cup water into the skillet with the beef. Cook while stirring until most of the water has evaporated and the beef is well coated with seasoning.
- Incorporate Aromatics: Add the dried minced onion and minced garlic to the beef mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds to release the flavors.
- Mix Beans and Broth: Stir in the refried beans and ½ cup beef broth, breaking up the beans as you mix until everything is fully combined. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Assemble Tacos: Place one flour tortilla on the prepared baking sheet. Spread about 3 to 4 tablespoons of the beef and bean mixture evenly over the lower half of the tortilla. Sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons of the shredded cheese over the filling.
- Fold and Arrange: Fold the tortilla gently in half, pressing lightly to close. Arrange the folded tacos about 1 inch apart on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, filling, and cheese. Use a second lined baking sheet if necessary.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet(s) in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the tortillas are crisp and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Carefully remove the crispy baked tacos from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispy tacos, lightly spray the tortillas with nonstick cooking spray before baking.
- Use either flour tortillas or substitute with corn tortillas if preferred, but baking times may vary slightly.
- Leftover taco filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reused in bowls or other dishes.
- To make this recipe gluten free, substitute flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas.
