This crispy oven-baked tacos recipe is an easy and delicious way to enjoy tacos without the greasy frying. Filled with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and melted cheese, these tacos bake to crispy perfection in the oven. Top them with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for the ultimate taco night!

If you’re looking to switch up taco night, this crispy oven-baked tacos recipe is the perfect solution! It gives you all the crispy, crunchy goodness of traditional fried tacos but with a healthier twist—baked, not fried. By lightly brushing the tortillas with olive oil and baking them, you still get that perfect crispiness without all the extra grease. The filling, made with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and plenty of melted cheese, is just as delicious and satisfying as your typical taco filling. Plus, it’s a fun and easy way to make tacos for a crowd, with less mess and cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for your family or having a taco party with friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
Making these crispy oven-baked tacos is super simple and comes together quickly! Start by browning your ground beef in a skillet and adding taco seasoning for that classic, bold flavor. Stir in refried beans for extra creaminess and a little added texture. While that’s cooking, lightly brush corn tortillas with olive oil and warm them in the oven just enough to make them flexible. Once ready, spoon the seasoned beef mixture onto half of each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and fold them in half. Bake the tacos in the oven until they’re crispy and golden, flipping them halfway through to ensure even crispiness. When they’re done, all that’s left is to pile on your favorite toppings—sour cream, salsa, guacamole—and enjoy a taco night that’s just as crispy as frying but way easier and healthier!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Baked Tacos Recipe
- These tacos are baked, not fried, making them a healthier option without sacrificing any of the crispy texture you love.
- The seasoned ground beef and refried beans create a flavorful and hearty filling that’s perfect for taco night.
- They’re incredibly easy to make and come together in under 30 minutes, making them a great choice for busy weeknights.
- You can make a large batch at once, making them perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
- Baking the tacos in the oven reduces the mess and cleanup compared to frying, so you can enjoy the fun of taco night without the hassle.
Ingredients For This Baked Tacos Recipe
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 pkg. taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup refried beans
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- sour cream, salsa, guacamole for serving
How to Make This Crispy Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Step 2: In a medium size skillet, cook ground beef until brown and drain grease. Add taco seasoning according to package directions.
Step 3: Add beans to the skillet and stir to combine well. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Place 6-8 corn tortillas on a large baking sheet and lightly brush both sides with oil. Don’t go too heavy on the oil or your tortillas may get soggy.
Step 5: Place tortillas in preheated oven for 3 minutes. Tortillas should be flexible.
Step 6: Portion ground beef mixture on one half of each tortilla and sprinkle with cheese. Fold the other half of the tortilla over and return to the oven for 12 minutes. Flip tacos over and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and serve with your favorite taco toppings. Enjoy!
What to Serve/Pair with Crispy Tacos with Ground Beef
Crispy tacos with ground beef pair perfectly with just about any of your favorite Mexican sides and toppings. For a fresh and crunchy contrast, serve them with a side of Mexican street corn (elote) or a simple salad with avocado, cilantro, and lime. Spanish rice or refried beans are classic sides that complement the hearty taco filling. For a bit of extra freshness, add salsa, guacamole, queso, or sour cream on the side. If you want to keep things light, a side of grilled vegetables or a corn and black bean salad works great too!
Popular Substitutions & Additions
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Corn tortillas work best for crispy tacos, but you can use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture.
Swap out refried beans for black beans, pinto beans, or even queso blanco for a different filling.
Use shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile, or go with a blend for extra gooeyness.
Storage & Leftovers
Storing leftover crispy oven-baked tacos is easy! After they’ve cooled down, place the tacos in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep the tortillas crispy, it’s best to store the taco shells and filling separately and assemble them when you’re ready to eat. Reheat the taco filling in the microwave or on the stovetop, and then briefly toast the tortillas in the oven to bring back some of that crispiness. If you have extra toppings like sour cream or guacamole, store them separately as well to keep them fresh. While they can be reheated, tacos are best enjoyed right after baking for the ultimate crunch!
Crispy Baked Tacos FAQs
How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?
Lightly brush the tortillas with olive oil and bake them for a few minutes before adding the filling. This helps create a barrier that prevents them from becoming soggy once the filling is added.
Can I make the taco shells crispier?
If you want extra crispiness, bake the tacos for a few additional minutes or flip them halfway through to ensure both sides are crispy. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
How do I keep the tacos from falling apart?
To avoid tacos falling apart, make sure to fold the tortillas carefully and avoid overstuffing them with filling. Also, flipping the tacos halfway through baking helps them cook evenly and stay intact.
Can I double or triple the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! This recipe is easily scalable. Just make sure you have enough baking sheets, and adjust the cooking time accordingly if you’re making a large batch.
Other Taco Recipes You’ll Love
Easy One Pan Pineapple Chicken Tacos
Easy Baked Honey Lime Chicken Tacos
Applebee’s Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos
Don’t Forget To Come Back And Let Me Know How Your Crispy Oven Baked Tacos Recipe Turned Out!
Crispy Oven Baked Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 pkg. taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup refried beans
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or pepperjack cheese
- sour cream, salsa, guacamole for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- In a medium size skillet, cook ground beef until brown and drain grease. Add taco seasoning according to package directions.
- Add beans to the skillet and stir to combine well. Remove from heat.
- Place 6-8 corn tortillas on a large baking sheet and lightly brush both sides with oil. Don't go too heavy on the oil or your tortillas may get soggy.
- Place tortillas in preheated oven for 3 minutes. Tortillas should be flexible.
- Portion ground beef mixture on one half of each tortilla and sprinkle with cheese. Fold the other half of the tortilla over and return to the oven for 12 minutes. Flip tacos over and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and serve with your favorite taco toppings. Enjoy!