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Baked Crispy Beef Tacos with Chipotle Crema

Baked Crispy Beef Tacos with Chipotle Crema

Enjoy homemade Baked Crispy Beef Tacos with a smoky chipotle crema, combining perfectly seasoned ground beef, crunchy baked taco shells, melty cheddar cheese, and fresh toppings for a bold, flavorful meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Filling

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika blend)
  • 2 tbsp water

Chipotle Crema

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 12 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • Pinch of salt

Taco Shells & Toppings

  • 8 hard taco shells (pre-made)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup chopped onions
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat, then add taco seasoning and water. Simmer until the spices fully coat the beef and it becomes fragrant.
  2. Make the Chipotle Crema: In a small bowl, combine sour cream, finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to create a smoky, creamy sauce.
  3. Bake the Taco Shells: Place hard taco shells on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes to ensure crispiness and prevent sogginess when filled.
  4. Assemble the Tacos: Fill each warm shell with a generous amount of spiced beef. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top while the beef is still warm to allow slight melting. Drizzle with chipotle crema, then garnish with chopped tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for fresh flavor and texture.
  5. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your tacos right away to experience the crunchiness of the shells and the freshness of the toppings at their best.

Notes

  • Don’t skip draining the beef fat to avoid greasy tacos.
  • Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers in the crema to customize the heat level.
  • Use fresh cilantro and tomatoes to add vibrant flavor and balance rich beef.
  • Bake taco shells instead of microwaving to keep them crispy longer.
  • Prepare chipotle crema a few hours in advance to blend flavors well.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked tacos, beef tacos, chipotle crema, crispy tacos, easy taco recipe, homemade tacos, taco night