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Crispy Baked Beef Tacos with Chipotle Crema Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 75 reviews
  • Author: Ivy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 tacos
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

These Crispy Beef Tacos are a delightful twist on the classic taco, baked instead of fried for a healthier, less messy option. Ground beef is seasoned and combined with cheese, then folded into pliable corn tortillas and baked until golden and crispy. Served with a smoky, tangy chipotle crema and your favorite fresh toppings, these tacos offer a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and creamy flavors in a quick 25-minute meal.

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling

  • 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean/15% fat or 90/10)
  • 1 Tbsp. oil (canola, vegetable, or olive oil)
  • 2 Tbsp. taco seasoning (store-bought mix or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese (from 8 oz. total, divided)

For the Tacos

  • 8-10, 6-inch white or yellow corn tortillas
  • 1-2 tsp oil for brushing (canola, vegetable, or olive oil)
  • Additional shredded Colby Jack cheese (about 7 oz., or remaining cheese)

For the Chipotle Crema

  • 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 1 tsp honey or sugar
  • 1/2 lime, juiced
  • 1 clove garlic
  • Salt, to taste

Suggested Toppings

  • Sour cream
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • Pico de gallo
  • Guacamole
  • Pickled red onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly oil or spray two baking sheets with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and set them aside.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  3. Add Seasonings and Simmer: Return the skillet to the burner and stir in the taco seasoning, water, minced garlic, lime juice, diced green chiles, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook and stir occasionally for about 5 minutes until most of the moisture has evaporated and the mixture thickens.
  4. Mix in Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese until it melts and combines fully with the beef mixture. Remove the skillet from heat.
  5. Warm the Tortillas: Wrap the tortillas in a slightly damp paper towel and microwave for 45-60 seconds, flipping them halfway through. This makes the tortillas pliable and easier to fold without breaking. If needed, microwave additional 10 seconds until soft.
  6. Assemble Tacos: Working on one half of each tortilla, spread about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture evenly. Top with a little extra shredded cheese. Fold the tortilla over to seal the filling inside.
  7. Prepare for Baking: Lightly brush the tops of the folded tortillas with a little oil to help them crisp up nicely in the oven.
  8. Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the prepared tacos on the baking sheets, careful not to overfill to avoid spilling during baking. Bake about 6 tacos at a time, preparing 8-10 total.
  9. Bake Until Crispy: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the tacos are hot and the tortillas are crispy and golden brown. There's no need to flip them during baking.
  10. Make Chipotle Crema: While the tacos bake, blend the Mexican crema or sour cream, chipotle peppers, honey or sugar, lime juice, garlic, and salt in a food processor until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  11. Serve: Serve the crispy beef tacos hot with the chipotle crema and your favorite toppings such as shredded lettuce, cilantro, pico de gallo, guacamole, and pickled red onions for a flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Use a lean ground beef for a balance of flavor and less grease.
  • Warming the tortillas before filling helps prevent cracking and makes folding easier.
  • Brush tortillas lightly with oil before baking to achieve a crispy texture.
  • If you prefer spicier tacos, add more chipotle peppers to the crema or sprinkle extra chili powder in the beef mixture.
  • These tacos can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
  • Leftover tacos can be stored in the fridge and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
  • For gluten-free, ensure taco seasoning and tortillas are certified gluten-free.

Find it online: https://ivysrecipes.com/crispy-baked-beef-tacos-with-chipotle-crema-recipe/