Name: Baked Beef & Green Chili Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
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; Chopped fresh cilantro; Shredded lettuce; Sour cream

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Introduction

These Baked Beef & Green Chili Tacos are a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Tender ground beef with mild green chiles is baked inside crispy corn tortillas, topped with melted cheese and fresh lime juice for a burst of flavor. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal or casual gathering.

The image shows several tacos arranged on a white marbled surface. Each taco has two layers of soft, light beige tortillas folded and filled with cooked ground beef mixed with melted yellow cheese. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled over the tacos, adding a fresh touch. Next to the tacos, there is a white bowl filled with chunky red salsa, placed slightly above and to the right. The tacos and salsa are placed casually, creating a warm and inviting scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until softened.
Step 2: Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it browns, until fully cooked through, about 7–10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Stir in the green chiles, taco seasoning, and water. Let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened and nicely coating the beef. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 5: Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds to soften them so they don’t crack when folded.
Step 6: Lay the tortillas flat on the baking sheet. Spoon the beef mixture onto one half of each tortilla, sprinkle with shredded cheese, then fold them over.
Step 7: Lightly brush the tops with the remaining oil.
Step 8: Bake for about 15 minutes, until the tortillas are golden and crispy and the cheese is melted.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top right away.
Step 10: Add your favorite toppings and serve while they’re still warm and crispy.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add finely chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture if you like a bit of heat.
Use flour tortillas instead of corn if preferred, but reduce baking time slightly to avoid drying them out.
Try topping with avocado slices or a drizzle of hot sauce for added richness and spice.
To save time, prepare the beef mixture a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to assemble and bake.

Storage

Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes to keep the tortillas crispy. Microwaving can soften the tortillas, so the oven method is best for reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows several tacos arranged on a white marbled surface with white parchment paper underneath. Each taco has one folded tortilla forming a shell, which is lightly golden and slightly crispy. Inside each tortilla, there is a layer of melted orange cheese directly on the base, topped with a thick layer of seasoned cooked ground beef with a crumbly texture. Small green herb bits are sprinkled on and around the tacos. To the top right, there is a small white bowl filled with chunky red salsa garnished with tiny green herbs. A woman's hand is slightly touching one taco on the left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze baked tacos?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked tacos. Wrap them individually in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use leftover cooked beef instead of raw ground beef?

Absolutely. Just warm the cooked beef with the green chiles, taco seasoning, and water until heated through, then assemble and bake as instructed.