Description
Sizzling sheet pan tacos bring Mexican street flavor right to your kitchen with minimal cleanup. Crispy tortillas, seasoned meat, and fresh toppings create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Meat:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef, turkey, or plant-based meat
Spices and Seasonings:
- 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
Base and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 10–12 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- Cooking spray or oil for brushing
Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking surface by lining a large sheet pan with aluminum foil and heating the oven to 375F (190C) for optimal baking conditions.
- Create the savory meat mixture by sautéing ground meat with diced onions in a skillet over medium heat until the meat turns golden brown and onions become translucent.
- Enhance the flavor profile by introducing minced garlic and cooking for a brief moment, then incorporate taco seasoning with a splash of water, simmering until the mixture reaches a thick, rich consistency.
- Craft the taco base by arranging tortillas on the sheet pan with slightly overlapping edges, gently brushing or spraying with oil to encourage a crispy texture.
- Distribute the prepared meat mixture evenly across the tortillas, generously sprinkling shredded cheese over each taco base.
- Transform the assembled tacos in the preheated oven, baking for 10-12 minutes until the cheese melts completely and tortillas develop a light, golden crispness.
- Elevate the dish by garnishing with fresh toppings like crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, creamy sour cream, and sliced avocado, creating a vibrant and flavorful presentation.
- Serve the sheet pan tacos immediately while warm, allowing diners to enjoy the perfect blend of textures and flavors.
Notes
- Customize Meat Choices: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that still packs incredible flavor.
- Perfect Tortilla Technique: Use corn tortillas for a more authentic taste and better crispiness, or whole wheat tortillas for added nutrition and a heartier texture.
- Cheese Melting Hack: Grate cheese fresh for superior melting and more even coverage, avoiding pre-shredded varieties that contain anti-caking agents which prevent smooth melting.
- Flavor Boosting Tip: Add a splash of lime juice to the meat mixture or sprinkle fresh cilantro after baking to elevate the overall taste profile and bring brightness to the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg