Description
Mouthwatering sheet pan tacos combine zesty Mexican flavors with effortless preparation, bringing restaurant-quality excitement directly to home kitchens. Crispy tortillas, seasoned proteins, and fresh toppings create a delightful meal you can easily whip up for family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef, turkey, or plant-based meat
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Liquid:
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix: 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon salt)
- ¼ cup water
Taco Components:
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 10–12 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- 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
- Prepare the baking surface by lining a large sheet pan with aluminum foil, ensuring easy cleanup and preventing stuck-on residue. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking temperature.
- In a skillet over medium heat, combine ground meat and diced onion. Sauté until the meat browns thoroughly and onions turn translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes. Eliminate any excess grease. Introduce minced garlic and cook briefly to release aromatic flavors. Incorporate taco seasoning and a splash of water, stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes cohesive.
- Carefully arrange tortillas on the prepared sheet pan, slightly overlapping and gently folding edges to create a taco shape. Lightly coat tortillas with oil to promote crispy texture. Distribute the seasoned meat mixture evenly across each tortilla, then generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the filling.
- Transfer the sheet pan to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, monitoring until cheese melts completely and tortilla edges turn golden and crisp.
- Once removed from the oven, garnish tacos with fresh toppings like crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, dollops of sour cream, and creamy avocado slices. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.
Notes
- Customize meat choices by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version, ensuring they’re heated slightly before assembling to prevent cracking.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time by cooking meat mixture and chopping toppings in advance, making assembly quick and effortless during busy weeknights.
- Control spice levels by adjusting taco seasoning intensity or using mild versions for sensitive palates, allowing everyone to enjoy the dish comfortably.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg