Print

Crispy Baked Double Decker Tacos: The Best Easy Recipe

crispy baked double decker tacos - featured image
Print Recipe

These crispy baked double decker tacos feature a soft flour tortilla wrapped around a crunchy hard shell, filled with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and melted cheese. Baked to perfection in just 30 minutes, they’re a quick and easy weeknight dinner that tastes like a restaurant meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced (about ½ cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • ¼ cup water
  • 6 hard taco shells
  • 6 soft flour tortillas (taco size, about 6 inches)
  • ½ cup refried beans
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
  • Shredded lettuce (optional)
  • Diced tomatoes (optional)
  • Sour cream (optional)
  • Salsa or pico de gallo (optional)
  • Sliced jalapeños (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper if desired.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until spices are toasted.
  5. Add ½ cup tomato sauce and ¼ cup water. Stir well, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 5 minutes until thick but not dry.
  6. Warm the refried beans in the microwave for 30 seconds or until spreadable.
  7. Assemble the double decker shells: Spread about 1 tablespoon of refried beans over each soft tortilla. Place a hard taco shell in the center and wrap the soft tortilla around it, pressing gently to seal.
  8. Stand each assembled shell upright on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about ¼ cup of beef mixture into each shell.
  9. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the beef in each shell.
  10. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and edges of soft tortillas are lightly golden.
  11. Let tacos rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to plates, add desired toppings, and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature tortillas to prevent cracking. The refried beans act as a barrier to keep the hard shell crispy. If soft tortillas are too stiff, microwave them for 10 seconds to make them pliable. Bake on the middle rack for even heat distribution. Watch the baking time closely to avoid burning the hard shells.

Nutrition

Keywords: double decker tacos, baked tacos, crispy tacos, easy taco recipe, ground beef tacos, weeknight dinner, 30 minute meal

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/crispy-baked-double-decker-tacos-the-best-easy-recipe/