Baked Tacos (Sheet Pan Recipe)
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Once you try oven Baked Tacos, you’ll never make them the old way again. Imagine golden, crunchy tortillas loaded with juicy, boldly seasoned beef and ooey-gooey melted cheese… all baked to crispy perfection on a single sheet pan. And the best part? No standing over hot oil or flipping one taco at a time! This crowd-pleaser bakes all at once and is ready in a snap. Pile on your favorite toppings and get ready for that can’t-stop-won’t-stop taco night magic!!
Table of Contents
Baked Tacos
I mean… who wants to stand at the stove flipping tacos when you can bake a whole pan of crispy perfection at once?
This crowd-pleasing recipe is my go-to for game day or lazy weeknights when I want something satisfying but don’t want a kitchen disaster.
The smell of those tortillas crisping up in the oven is pure comfort food therapy. Plus, the topping bar? Always a hit! No one complains when they can make their taco their way.
Trust me, once you try these crispy sheet pan tacos, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered frying them one by one. And if you’re like me… you’ll make a double batch and hoard the leftovers. No regrets.
INGREDIENT NOTES
- Lean Ground Beef: Less grease means crispy baked tacos, not soggy ones! There may still be a little in the pan, so make sure to drain that too.
- Onion & Garlic: Add a savory boost and a little extra texture to the meat mixture. In a pinch, use some garlic and onion powder.
- Diced Green Chiles: These boost the flavor and add mild heat… unless you get the hot or fire-roasted ones! If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the amount.
- Taco Seasoning: Grab a packet of your favorite (you’ll need just one for this baked tacos recipe), or use a couple tablespoons of a homemade blend.
- Cheddar Cheese: My go-to for flavor and melt, though Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend works too.
- Tortillas: Corn tortillas will crisp up better in the oven and are a bit sturdier, while flour tortillas give a softer crunch. Either is delicious!
VARIATIONS
Spicy Chipotle: Mix chopped chipotle in adobo into the beef filling for smoky heat.
Cheesy Bean: Spread refried beans inside the tortilla before adding the meat.
Breakfast Tacos: Use scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese for a morning version!
Supreme: Load up baked crispy tacos with sour cream, guac, pico, and jalapeños.
Veggie Lover’s: Swap meat for sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and zucchini.
BAKED TACOS RECIPE FAQ
Yes, though not quite as crispy as corn tortillas.
Sure, and there are two ways to do so! You can cook the filling and prep all the toppings, then store those in the fridge up to a day in advance. Assemble the tacos and bake as directed when you’re ready.
Or, bake the tacos and save them as leftovers. They’ll keep for about 3 days in the fridge and can be reheated in the oven, air fryer, or microwave.
Use lean ground meat to avoid too much grease, and simmer the filling until most of the liquid is evaporated. Then, brush the outside of the tortillas with a little oil to help them crisp up.
It’s really important that you don’t overcrowd the pan too. Avoid overlapping the tacos and use a second pan if needed. You can even lay them on a wire rack set inside the pan, though you may need to reduce the baking time a bit.
And don’t skip the broil at the end! That high heat guarantees extra crunch.
You can, and it’s one of my favorite tricks for this recipe! Once baked and cooled, wrap each taco (without any toppings) in plastic wrap and stack them in a freezer-safe storage bag.
Freeze for up to 3 months, then reheat from frozen in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until hot and crispy again. It’s like a full-size version of those mini taco appetizers… perfect for a quick and easy snack!
Over the years of making oven baked tacos, I’ve learned a few things: warm tortillas = pliable shells that don’t crack; brushing just enough oil = crispy without greasy; and adding cheese inside the taco before baking helps them seal shut naturally (like taco glue!).
Layering flavor into the filling and letting the broiler work its magic gives you a better-than-restaurant finish. Without ever turning on the deep fryer!
DONNA’S PRO TIPS
- Don’t overfill! It’s tempting, I know… but if you want them to stay shut, less is more.
- Microwave the tortillas. Cold tortillas = cracking and frustration.
- Double the recipe. Trust me. These disappear fast.
- Use parchment for easy cleanup. Your future self will thank you.
- Toppings bar = taco night success. Everyone builds their own, and no one complains. Ever.
TOOLS NEEDED
- Half sheet pan (13×18-inch works great)
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Parchment paper
- Small brush for oil
- Microwave-safe plate and damp paper towel (for warming tortillas)
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Baked Tacos (Sheet Pan Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef, I like 88%
- 1/2 small small white onion, finely diced (about ½ cup), divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 6 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 ½ cups), divided
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 8 to 10 corn tortillas or taco-size flour tortillas
- 1 teaspoon flavorless oil, canola or vegetable oil, for brushing
Optional toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Pico de gallo
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ½ tablespoon oil, ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until beef is browned and onion is translucent. Drain grease thoroughly.
- Season the Filling: Stir in the water, diced green chilies, and taco seasoning. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, or until most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Add Cheese and Cilantro: Remove from heat. Stir in ½ cup cheddar cheese and the chopped cilantro.
- Warm the Tortillas: Microwave the tortillas on a plate, covered with a damp paper towel, for 30 to 60 seconds until pliable.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spread about 3 tablespoons of beef mixture onto one half of each tortilla. Top with a bit more cheese. Fold tortillas in half to close.
- Brush and Bake: Place tacos on the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with 1 teaspoon of oil. If tacos won't stay shut, bake open for 5 minutes, then fold and continue baking.
- Bake to Crisp: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until tacos are golden and crisp. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes for extra crunch.
- Serve: Top with your favorites and serve warm!
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published September 2025
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We’re Donna and Chad, the dream team behind The Slow Roasted Italian. Our focus is on taking complicated OUT of the kitchen. Life is busy enough, making meals should be fast and easy, to help make your life as simple as possible. Read More >>
