Cheeseburger Tacos are the ultimate mashup of two beloved classics, delivering bold flavors in every bite. Juicy ground beef, melty cheddar, and crisp lettuce come together in a warm tortilla for a satisfying crunch and creamy richness. Ready in just 29 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous cravings.
Each taco bursts with savory, smoky, and slightly tangy notes, thanks to a hint of ketchup and mustard. The soft tortilla hugs the hearty filling, creating a delightful contrast of textures. Packed with 30g of protein and a balance of carbs and fats, it’s a meal that fuels and satisfies without skimping on flavor.
What You’ll Need for Cheeseburger Tacos
- For the tacos:
- ▢ 2 Tablespoons olive oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
- ▢ 1 yellow onion, diced (white or red onion works too)
- ▢ 1 pound ground beef (substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat)
- ▢ 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ▢ ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
- ▢ 3 Tablespoons ketchup (try BBQ sauce for a smoky twist)
- ▢ 1 ½ Tablespoons yellow mustard (Dijon or spicy mustard for extra flavor)
- ▢ 10 stand-and-stuff hard taco shells (soft tortillas work too)
- ▢ 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (use a blend of cheeses for variety)
- Toppings (optional, but recommended):
- ▢ Shredded lettuce
- ▢ Roma tomatoes, diced (or cherry tomatoes for sweetness)
- ▢ Pickled onions (store-bought or homemade)
- ▢ Pickles (dill or bread-and-butter style)
- ▢ Chicken Dipping Sauce (or your favorite burger sauce)
How to Make Cheeseburger Tacos
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 415°F and line a 9×13” baking pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Saute: Heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Cook until the meat is nicely caramelized and fully cooked, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Add cheeseburger flavor: Stir in 3 Tablespoons ketchup and 1 ½ Tablespoons yellow mustard until well combined. Remove from heat.
- Assemble: Stand the taco shells upright in the prepared baking dish. Fill each shell with about ¼ cup of the meat mixture. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tacos.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top: Remove the tacos from the oven and let them cool slightly. Load them up with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickled onions, pickles, and a drizzle of Chicken Dipping Sauce.
- Serve: Enjoy your Cheeseburger Tacos warm with extra sauce on the side!
Creative Toppings & Sauces to Elevate Your Tacos
While shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and pickles are classic cheeseburger taco toppings, don’t be afraid to get creative! Try adding crispy bacon bits, avocado slices, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture. For sauces, swap out the Chicken Dipping Sauce for spicy mayo, ranch dressing, or even a drizzle of bbq sauce for a smoky twist.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Cheeseburger Tacos
These tacos are a meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with simple sides. Serve them with sweet potato fries, corn on the cob, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. For a fun appetizer, try mozzarella sticks or onion rings to keep the burger theme going!
Quick Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to keep the shells crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shells soggy. For meal prep, store the meat mixture and toppings separately and assemble just before serving.
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Cooks
Short on time? Use pre-diced onions or pre-shredded cheese to cut down on prep. You can also brown the ground beef in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready, simply reheat the meat, assemble the tacos, and bake—dinner will be ready in under 15 minutes!
Fun Variations to Mix It Up
Switch things up by using ground turkey or plant-based meat instead of beef. For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the taco shells for soft tortillas or lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
Cheeseburger Tacos
Ingredients
For the tacos
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 Tablespoons ketchup
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons yellow mustard
- 10 stand-and-stuff hard taco shells
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Roma tomatoes, diced
- Pickled onions
- Pickles
- Chicken Dipping Sauce
Instructions
- Prep. Preheat the oven to 415°F and line a 9X13” baking pan with parchment paper.
- Saute. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a heavy-bottomed skillet. Add the onion and saute until translucent.
- Brown the beef. Add the ground beef to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and cook until the meat is nicely caramelized and cooked through, crumbling it with a wooden spoon as you go.
- Add some cheeseburger flavor. Stir in the ketchup and mustard and turn off the heat.
- Assemble. Stand the taco shells up in the baking dish and fill each with ~ ¼ cup of the meat mixture. Distribute the cheddar cheese evenly between the tacos.
- Bake. Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
- Top. Remove the tacos from the oven and top with your favorite toppings. We love loading ours with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickled onions, pickles, and/or our famous Chicken Dipping Sauce.