Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 oz canned green chiles
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- ½ white onion, finely chopped
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
- ¼ cup water
- 10 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded taco blend cheese
- Juice from 1 lime
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Shredded lettuce
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped white onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Break it up with a spatula and cook for about 7 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the pan if necessary.
- Add Seasonings and Simmer: Stir in the canned green chiles, taco seasoning packet, and ¼ cup of water. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for several minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef. Remove from heat once thickened.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Tortillas: Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds to soften them, making them pliable and preventing cracking when folded.
- Assemble Tacos: Lay the softened tortillas flat on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the beef and chile mixture onto one half of each tortilla, then sprinkle evenly with shredded taco blend cheese. Fold each tortilla over to cover the filling.
- Brush with Oil: Lightly brush the tops of the folded tacos with the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to promote browning and crispiness during baking.
- Bake Tacos: Bake the assembled tacos in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the tortillas turn golden brown and crispy and the cheese inside has melted thoroughly.
- Add Lime Juice: Remove the tacos from the oven and immediately squeeze fresh lime juice over the top to add a bright, tangy flavor.
- Serve with Toppings: Add your desired optional toppings such as chopped fresh cilantro, shredded lettuce, and sour cream. Serve the tacos warm and enjoy the crispy, cheesy, and flavorful bites.
Notes
- Microwaving the tortillas before baking helps prevent cracking when folding and makes them easier to handle.
- Draining excess grease after cooking the beef ensures the tacos are not too oily and helps the cheese melt nicely.
- The lime juice adds a fresh, acidic contrast that enhances the overall flavor of the baked tacos.
- Feel free to customize toppings to your preference, such as adding diced tomatoes, guacamole, or pickled jalapeños.
- For a spicier kick, use green chiles with added heat or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican