tacos

Crispy Beef Tacos with Cotija Cheese

Written by on in Beef

There’s nothing quite like biting into a crispy taco! (My fav food, by the way.) The crunch of the shell, the savory filling, and the melty cheese all coming together in one perfect handheld bite. These Crispy Beef Tacos are an easy weeknight dinner you can make with just a handful of ingredients, but they taste like something you’d get from your favorite taqueria.

Instead of frying in oil, these tacos are baked in the oven until golden and crunchy, which means less mess and a little bit healthier too. The filling couldn’t be simpler: seasoned ground beef, a can of Rotel for a kick of tomato and green chile flavor, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese (a crumbly Mexican cheese that adds a salty, tangy bite). Fold everything into mini corn tortillas, brush with oil, and let the oven do the work.

The best part? These tacos are totally customizable. Add toppings like sour cream, salsa, fresh cilantro, or shredded lettuce to build them exactly the way your family likes. They’re kid-friendly, budget-friendly, and make a fun option for taco night, game day, or even a casual dinner party spread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy shells without frying – oven-baked for less mess.
  • Flavor-packed filling – taco seasoning + Rotel keep it simple but bold.
  • Cheesy goodness – cotija cheese melts slightly and adds salty tang.
  • Kid-approved – easy, handheld, and customizable with toppings.
  • Perfect for meal prep – make the filling ahead and bake fresh when ready.
Crispy Beef Tacos with Cotija Cheese
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Crispy Beef Tacos with Cotija Cheese

Recipe by itskristinskitchen
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calories

290

kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)

  • 1 can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chiles), drained

  • 8 mini corn tortillas (or flour if preferred)

  • 1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or queso fresco)

  • 2 tbsp neutral oil (for brushing)

Directions

  • Cook the filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease. Stir in taco seasoning and Rotel. Cook 3–4 minutes until well combined.
  • Assemble tacos: Lay tortillas flat. Spoon beef mixture onto one half, sprinkle with cotija cheese, then fold over to form a taco.
  • Bake the tacos: Place tacos on a baking sheet. Brush both sides lightly with oil. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
  • Serve: Top with sour cream, salsa, or your favorite taco toppings. Enjoy hot.

Notes

  • Optional Toppings for Serving:
    Sour cream
    Salsa
    Fresh cilantro
    Shredded lettuce

FAQ & Tips

What’s the best cheese for these tacos?
Cotija cheese is crumbly, salty, and adds authentic flavor. Queso fresco works too, or even shredded Mexican blend if you prefer more melty cheese.

Can I make these ahead?
Yes! Assemble tacos and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Bake straight from the fridge when ready to eat.

Do they reheat well?
Yes! Pop leftovers in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–6 minutes to re-crisp. Avoid microwaving.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Absolutely. Flour tortillas get golden and crispy too, just a little softer in texture.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you liked these Crispy Beef Tacos, check out my Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Gnocchi – another easy, comforting dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.

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