All Recipes
Beverages
Breakfast
Appetizers
Dinner
Sides
Dessert
Videos
Indulge in the perfect harmony of flavors and textures with our easy-to-make baked Crispy Tacos. Enjoy the tantalizing aroma of golden corn tortillas encasing seasoned meat and melted cheese topped with avocado crema. Elevate your culinary skills and satisfy your cravings with this mouthwatering recipe. Unleash your inner chef and embark on a culinary adventure today!
What are Crispy Tacos
Crispy tacos, or hard-shell tacos, are a popular Mexican dish characterized by their crunchy and firm outer shell. Unlike soft tacos, which use soft tortillas, crispy tacos are made by deep-frying or in the case of this recipe baking corn tortillas until they become crisp and rigid.
To create crispy tacos, corn tortillas are typically folded in half and filled with a variety of ingredients such as seasoned ground meat, beans, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa. Once assembled, the tacos are then fried or baked.
Crispy tacos offer a delightful sensory experience and are highly versatile. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack, a family dinner, or at festive gatherings, crispy tacos are a beloved culinary creation that continues to captivate taste buds worldwide.
How to Make Crispy Tacos in the Oven
- Brown the meat. Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, if necessary. Add the taco seasoning and stir well to ensure the meat is evenly coated. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Steam the tortillas. To make them pliable and easy to fold without cracking, steam them briefly in the microwave. Wrap a damp paper towel around your tortillas and place them in the microwave for about 35 to 45 seconds. Once steamed brush both sides lightly with olive oil. This will help them crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Arrange the tacos. Assemble the tacos by placing a spoonful of the seasoned ground beef in the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the meat while it’s still hot, and add any additional toppings such as the shredded lettuce. Fold the tortillas in half, creating a semi-circular shape with the filling enclosed inside. Gently press the edges together to seal the tacos.
- Bake. Arrange the filled tacos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, aluminum foil, or a baking rack. Place another baking sheet directly on top of the tacos. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes at 425º F.
- Prepare the avocado crema. While the tacos are baking prepare the avocado crema by placing all the ingredients into a food processor or blender and blending until smooth. Once the tacos are done spoon some onto each taco or use it as a dipping sauce.
Ingredients Needed
- Corn Tortillas – Corn tortillas are essential for crispy tacos due to their texture, flavor, authenticity, and gluten-free nature.
- Olive Oil – Brushing corn tortillas with olive oil is crucial for crispy tacos as it promotes crispiness, prevents dryness, enhances flavor, and aids in browning.
- Fillings – This recipe incorporates ground beef as the primary filling for the crispy tacos. The ground beef is seasoned and cooked to perfection, providing a savory and flavorful base. Additionally, this recipe allows for the inclusion of various other delicious fillings to enhance the taco experience. Shredded cheese is added to the hot beef, allowing it to melt and contribute a creamy and gooey element. Shredded lettuce brings a refreshing crunch and a hint of freshness to the tacos.
- Toppings – I like to make a simple avocado crema with avocados, cilantro, honey, fresh garlic, and lime juice. You can use whichever topping or dipping sauce you like or even omit it. Some other options are salsa, guacamole, or Dairy-Free Lime Crema.
Filling Ideas
In addition to ground beef, there are countless options to explore when it comes to filling your crispy tacos. Here are some delicious filling ideas to consider:
- Shredded Chicken: Cooked and seasoned shredded chicken provides a lean and protein-packed alternative to ground beef. You can season it with Mexican spices, such as cumin, paprika, and chili powder, for a flavorful twist.
- Beans: Adding a layer of beans, such as refried beans or black beans, brings a satisfying creaminess and plant-based protein to the tacos. You can also mash the beans with spices for a smoother texture.
- Grilled Vegetables: Fire up the grill and char some bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or corn for a vibrant and smoky filling. Grilled vegetables add a delightful sweetness and a touch of charred flavor to the tacos.
- Fish or Shrimp: For seafood lovers, consider using grilled or sautéed fish, such as tilapia or cod, or succulent shrimp as the filling. Season them with a zesty marinade or spices like cumin and paprika for a delightful seafood twist.
- Guacamole: Creamy and flavorful guacamole adds a burst of freshness and richness to the tacos. You can use mashed avocado mixed with lime juice, cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a hint of garlic.
- Salsa or Pico de Gallo: Spicy and tangy salsas or pico de gallo made with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice provide a vibrant and refreshing topping for the tacos.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cool and creamy element to balance the flavors and provide a hint of tanginess.
- Sliced Jalapeños or Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding sliced jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce can add a spicy kick to the tacos.
What to Serve with Crispy Tacos
When serving crispy tacos, there are several delicious accompaniments that can complement and enhance the meal. Here are some ideas:
- Mexican Rice: A side of fluffy and flavorful Mexican rice is a classic pairing with crispy tacos. The rice can be seasoned with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and chili powder for a delicious and aromatic addition.
- Refried Beans: Creamy and rich refried beans make a perfect side dish for crispy tacos. They add a satisfying protein and fiber boost to the meal.
- Guacamole and Salsa: Fresh guacamole and vibrant salsa are versatile condiments that can be served alongside crispy tacos.
- Mexican Street Corn: Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a popular side dish that pairs wonderfully with crispy tacos. Grilled corn on the cob is slathered with mayonnaise, sprinkled with cotija cheese, and seasoned with chili powder and lime juice, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Salad: A refreshing salad can provide a lighter counterpart to the crispy tacos. Consider serving a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette dressing or a Mexican-inspired salad with ingredients.
- Tortilla Chips: Offer a bowl of crispy tortilla chips alongside a variety of salsas and dips.
- Mexican-Inspired Slaw: A crunchy and tangy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, lime juice, and cilantro can provide a refreshing contrast to the crispy tacos.
- Margaritas: To complete the meal, serve refreshing beverages like Classic Margaritas or fruity ones such as a Watermelon Margarita or a Frozen Pineapple Margarita. These drinks can add a festive touch and help to balance out the flavors of the meal.
FAQS
Yes, you can use flour tortillas as a substitute for corn tortillas when making crispy beef tacos. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will differ slightly, as flour tortillas tend to be softer and have a milder taste compared to the characteristic crunch and earthiness of corn tortillas. However, if you prefer the taste and texture of flour tortillas or have dietary restrictions, they can still be a delicious option for creating crispy beef tacos.
Crispy beef tacos can be gluten-free depending on the ingredients used. The beef itself is typically gluten-free, but it’s essential to ensure that the taco seasoning and any additional sauces or toppings are also gluten-free. Some taco seasoning mixes may contain gluten or be processed in facilities that handle gluten-containing ingredients. It’s crucial to read labels carefully and choose gluten-free options or make your own seasoning blend using gluten-free spices. Additionally, when using tortillas, make sure to select corn tortillas that are specifically labeled as gluten-free.
Tips and Tricks
- Use 2 sheet pans. Place an additional sheet pan directly on top of the tacos before placing them into the oven. This ensures they’ll keep their form. Then remove it and set the oven to broil for just 1 minute to give the tacos an extra crispy shell.
- Brush with oil. Brushing the tortillas lightly with olive oil or cooking spray before baking helps to promote browning and crispiness. It adds a hint of richness to the tacos and prevents them from drying out excessively.
- Use a baking rack. Placing a baking rack on a baking sheet can help elevate the tacos and allow hot air to circulate, resulting in a crispier shell. This helps prevent the tacos from becoming soggy by allowing any excess moisture to evaporate.
More Taco Recipes
Crispy Tacos Recipe
Equipment
- Baking Rack optional, but helps keep the taco shells crispy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 packet Taco Seasoning
- 1/2 cup Shredded Lettuce
- 10 Corn Tortillas
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
Avocado Crema
- 2 large Avocados
- 1/2 cup Cilantro
- 2 teaspoons Honey
- 1 clove Garlic
- 2 Limes juiced
- pinch Salt
Instructions
- Brown the meat. Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it's browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, if necessary. Add the taco seasoning and stir well to ensure the meat is evenly coated. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Steam the tortillas. To make them pliable and easy to fold without cracking, steam them briefly in the microwave. Wrap a damp paper towel around your tortillas and place them in the microwave for about 35 to 45 seconds. Once steamed brush both sides lightly with olive oil. This will help them crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Arrange the tacos. Assemble the tacos by placing a spoonful of the seasoned ground beef in the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the meat while it's still hot, and add any additional toppings such as the shredded lettuce. Fold the tortillas in half, creating a semi-circular shape with the filling enclosed inside. Gently press the edges together to seal the tacos.
- Bake. Arrange the filled tacos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, aluminum foil, or a baking rack. Place another baking sheet directly on top of the tacos. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes at 425º F.
- Prepare the avocado crema. While the tacos are baking prepare the avocado crema by placing all the ingredients into a food processor or blender and blending until smooth. Once the tacos are done spoon some onto each taco or use it as a dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use 2 sheet pans. Place an additional sheet pan directly on top of the tacos before placing them into the oven. This ensures they’ll keep their form. Then remove it and set the oven to broil for just 1 minute to give the tacos an extra crispy shell.
- Brush with oil. Brushing the tortillas lightly with olive oil or cooking spray before baking helps to promote browning and crispiness. It adds a hint of richness to the tacos and prevents them from drying out excessively.
- Use a baking rack. Placing a baking rack on a baking sheet can help elevate the tacos and allow hot air to circulate, resulting in a crispier shell. This helps prevent the tacos from becoming soggy by allowing any excess moisture to evaporate.
