Hey there, Jason Griffith here! We all have those nights when we’re craving tacos but don’t have the time or energy for all the prep and cleanup. That’s where this recipe for Lazy Mini Tacos comes in. This is a game-changer. It’s a simple, fun, and incredibly delicious way to get all the flavors of a classic taco in a fraction of the time. These mini tacos are made with ground beef and cheese, all baked up in a single pan until they’re crispy and perfect. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner shortcut that’s always a huge hit with the whole family.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is a lifesaver. The best part is that it’s a one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup. The mini tacos are made with small tortillas and are filled with a simple ground beef and cheese mixture, then baked until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted and gooey. The result is a perfect, handheld taco that’s easy to eat and full of flavor. It’s a fantastic recipe for a busy night, a kid-friendly meal, or a fun party appetizer. For another great one-pan dinner with a Mexican twist, you should also check out my recipe for a Mexican chicken and rice casserole.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (1 oz) package taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 12 small flour or corn tortillas (taco size)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, guacamole
Swaps and Notes
- Ground Beef: I like to use an 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and moisture. You can also use ground turkey or a mix of ground beef and pork.
- Taco Seasoning: Any brand of taco seasoning will work. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less, or if you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Tortillas: Small flour tortillas are my go-to for their soft texture, but corn tortillas would also work.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic, but you can use any good melting cheese like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend.
- Toppings: The toppings are what make this recipe so fun! You can set up a mini taco bar with all your favorite toppings and let everyone customize their own.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and cooked through. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add Seasoning: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the taco seasoning mix and water to the skillet. Stir and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Assemble the Tacos: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay out the tortillas on a large baking sheet. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the seasoned ground beef mixture onto one half of each tortilla. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the beef.
- Fold and Bake: Fold the tortillas in half, pressing down gently. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the mini tacos from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to add a lot of filling, but too much will make it difficult to fold and will leak out during baking.
- Use a Large Baking Sheet: A large baking sheet is essential so you can fit all the mini tacos in a single layer. This ensures they get crispy.
- Serve Immediately: These tacos are best served hot and fresh out of the oven. The crispy shell and gooey cheese are at their best right away.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These tacos are a complete meal on their own, but they’re even better with a few simple additions.
- Serve them with a side of refried beans or Mexican rice.
- They’re fantastic with a variety of toppings, so set up a mini taco bar!
- For a fun party, you could have this with my walking taco bar and let everyone have their pick.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This dish is best served fresh. If you have any leftovers, you can store the cooked ground beef and any toppings in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm the meat in a skillet, and then assemble and bake the tacos.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you’re looking for more delicious and easy-to-make dinners, check out some of these other favorites:
- Walking Taco Bar: The perfect no-fuss way to feed a crowd for any event.
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas: My go-to for feeding a crowd fast with minimal effort.
- Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole: My favorite one-pan dinner that’s always a hit and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cozy Chicken Enchiladas: A go-to for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s always a hit.
Final Thoughts
These Lazy Mini Tacos are a testament to the fact that you don’t need a lot of ingredients or a lot of fuss to create something truly delicious and memorable. They’re simple, satisfying, and always a hit. Give them a try, and I’m sure they’ll become a new favorite in your kitchen. As always, I’d love to hear from you, so leave a comment below with your thoughts and any fun twists you tried. Happy cooking!
Lazy Mini Tacos: A Quick and Easy Dinner Shortcut
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 12 mini taco shells
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Drain excess fat and return the skillet to the heat.
- Add taco seasoning and water, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Place mini taco shells in a baking dish.
- Spoon the beef mixture into each taco shell.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each taco.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the shells are crispy.
- Remove from oven and garnish with diced tomatoes, sour cream, green onions, and olives.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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