Ultimate Baked Ground Beef Tacos

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon Canola oil or other neutral oil
• 1/2 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 pound Lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
• 2 teaspoons Chili powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Smoked paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1/2 cup Beef broth or water
• 12 Hard taco shells
• 8 ounces (about 2 cups) Shredded sharp cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
• For serving Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, pico de gallo or salsa, sour cream, diced avocado, cilantro

Steps

1. 1

   Set your oven to 400°F. Cradel the taco shells so they are standing open-side-up in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Set aside.

2. 2

   In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until it has softened, which should take about 4-5 minutes.

3. 3

   Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds more.

4. 4

   Place the ground beef into the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it is browned all over, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat from the pan.

5. 5

   Add the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder to the beef. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until the spices are aromatic.

6. 6

   Pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and the filling is slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.

7. 7

   Carefully divide the beef filling among the taco shells in the baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the beef in each shell.

8. 8

   Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly and the shells are heated through.

9. 9

   Serve the tacos immediately, setting out bowls of toppings for everyone to customize their own.