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Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos with Chipotle Ranch Recipe

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3.9 from 27 reviews

These Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos with Chipotle Ranch are a delicious homemade take on a fast-food favorite. Ground beef is seasoned and cooked to perfection, then filled into taco shells and baked until crispy. Topped with a creamy and spicy chipotle ranch sauce, shredded lettuce, cheese, and diced tomatoes, these tacos offer a satisfying crunch and bold flavors perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual entertaining.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 tacos

Ingredients

For the Tacos

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
  • 12 hard taco shells
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)

For the Chipotle Ranch Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water according to package instructions. Simmer for 5 minutes until well combined and fragrant.
  2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the tacos.
  3. Fill the Taco Shells: Arrange the hard taco shells standing up in a baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup. Spoon the seasoned ground beef evenly into each shell.
  4. Bake the Tacos: Place the filled taco shells in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the shells are crispy and the beef is heated through.
  5. Make the Chipotle Ranch Sauce: While the tacos bake, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, chopped chipotle peppers, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
  6. Assemble the Tacos: Once the tacos are out of the oven, top each with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese. Drizzle generously with the chipotle ranch sauce.
  7. Serve: Serve immediately while the tacos are crispy and the toppings are fresh. Enjoy!

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • If you prefer softer tacos, heat the shells for less time or warm them in the microwave before filling.
  • For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chipotle ranch sauce.
  • Leftover taco filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Use gluten-free taco shells and ranch seasoning to make this meal gluten-free.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican