Description
Mexican sheet pan tacos blend zesty flavors with easy preparation for a hassle-free meal. Crispy tortillas, seasoned meat, and fresh toppings create a delicious dinner that satisfies hungry diners quickly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef, turkey, or plant-based meat
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10–12 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend)
- 1 packet (or 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp salt) taco seasoning
- ¼ cup water
- Cooking spray or oil for brushing
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil for effortless cleanup and prevent ingredient adherence.
- Meat Preparation: In a skillet, brown ground meat with diced onions until meat is fully cooked and onions become translucent. Drain excess fat. Add minced garlic, taco seasoning, and water, stirring until mixture develops rich, cohesive flavors.
- Tortilla Assembly: Arrange tortillas on prepared sheet pan, slightly overlapping and creating gentle taco shapes. Brush tortillas with oil to ensure crispy edges. Distribute seasoned meat evenly across tortillas and blanket generously with shredded cheese.
- Baking Process: Slide sheet pan into preheated oven. Roast for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts completely and tortilla edges transform into golden, crisp borders.
- Garnish and Serve: Immediately adorn tacos with vibrant toppings – crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream dollops, and creamy avocado slices. Present while temperature and texture remain optimal for maximum enjoyment.
Notes
- Optimize Meat Preparation: Brown ground meat thoroughly to develop rich, caramelized flavors and prevent excess moisture. Pat meat dry before cooking to ensure perfect searing and minimize unwanted liquid.
- Prevent Soggy Tortillas: Lightly brush tortillas with oil and pre-warm them briefly to create a protective barrier against moisture. Use sturdy corn tortillas for better structural integrity and authentic texture.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Choose high-melting cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack for optimal coverage. Grate cheese freshly to enhance melting quality and prevent clumping during baking.
- Dietary Adaptation Options: Substitute ground meat with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or black beans for vegetarian version. Use gluten-free tortillas and dairy-free cheese for accommodating different dietary needs while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg