These Baked Taco Wraps are a healthy, flavorful twist on traditional tacos. Made with lean ground beef, seasoned to perfection, and wrapped in corn tortillas with melted Pepper Jack cheese, they’re baked to crispy perfection without deep frying. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep!
Who is this Recipe For?
This recipe is ideal for:
- Families looking for a lighter, baked alternative to fried tacos.
- Busy home cooks who want an easy, hands-off meal.
- Taco lovers who enjoy bold, smoky flavors.
- Meal preppers who want portable, reheatable dinners.
Why it’s Great
- Healthy and flavorful: Uses 95% lean beef and baked, not fried.
- Quick to prepare: Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Adjust spices or use chicken, turkey, or beans.
- Kid-friendly and family-approved: Mildly spiced but delicious.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Cooking spray
Ingredients (Serves 3)
Protein & Seasoning:
- 1 lb 95% lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Other Ingredients:
- ½ cup salsa (medium heat or to taste)
- 3 oz Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
- 16 (6-inch) corn tortillas
- Cooking spray (for misting before baking)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Add salsa and mix until evenly combined. Remove from heat.
2. Assemble the Wraps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spoon a portion of the beef mixture onto each corn tortilla.
- Sprinkle shredded Pepper Jack cheese on top.
- Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Lightly mist the wraps with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
3. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the tortillas are slightly crispy and the cheese is melted.
4. Serve
- Serve hot with optional toppings such as sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, or avocado slices.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these vegetarian?
A: Yes! Replace the beef with cooked beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute.
Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
A: Absolutely! Flour tortillas will make the wraps softer but still delicious.
Q: How spicy are these tacos?
A: They are mildly spicy. Adjust crushed red pepper flakes and chili powder to taste.
Q: Can I prep these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight, then bake just before serving.
Conclusion
Baked Taco Wraps are a quick, delicious, and healthier alternative to traditional tacos. Packed with seasoned lean beef, melted Pepper Jack cheese, and baked to perfection, they’re perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even casual entertaining. Flavorful, crispy, and customizable, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your dinner rotation.
