Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting mouth-watering Baked Double Decker Tacos! If you’re searching for a delicious, family-friendly meal that brings the excitement of your favorite taqueria right into your kitchen, look no further. This recipe takes the beloved concept of a double-decker taco – a crunchy corn shell nestled inside a soft flour tortilla spread with savory refried beans – and elevates it by baking. The result is a wonderfully satisfying taco, brimming with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, ready to be topped with all your favorite fresh fixings.
Forget the drive-thru; these homemade double-decker tacos are incredibly easy to prepare and are guaranteed to become a new staple for your family dinner nights. They’re hearty, flavorful, and offer that perfect textural contrast of soft, creamy, and crunchy in every single bite. Ideal for a fun Taco Tuesday feast or a casual weekend gathering, this recipe promises to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Double Decker Tacos
Mexican-inspired cuisine holds a special place in many hearts, and at our house, Taco Tuesday is practically a tradition. While we enjoy experimenting with various taco fillings and styles each week, you can almost always count on a delicious taco creation gracing our dinner table. These baked double-decker tacos are a particular favorite for several reasons:
- Effortless Preparation: This recipe is surprisingly simple to put together, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Most of the prep involves browning meat and assembling, then the oven does the rest!
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, and melty cheese creates a flavor profile that everyone adores.
- Incredible Texture: The magic of the double-decker lies in its texture. You get the satisfying crunch of a hard taco shell perfectly complemented by the soft, pliable flour tortilla and smooth refried beans.
- Customizable Fun: Tacos are all about personalization! Set out a variety of toppings and let everyone build their perfect taco, catering to all taste preferences.
- Hearty and Filling: This recipe is designed to generously feed a family of four, with two substantial tacos per person, ensuring no one leaves the table hungry.
More Mexican-Inspired Recipe Ideas
If you’re eager to explore more vibrant flavors from south of the border, here are some fantastic recipes to inspire your next culinary adventure:
- Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza: Recreate a nostalgic favorite with this cheesy, meaty, and saucy pizza.
- Mexican Restaurant-Style Bean Dip: A creamy, savory dip that’s perfect for appetizers or a snack.
- Mexican Four Bean Salad: A refreshing and colorful side dish packed with robust flavors.
Essential Ingredients for Baked Double Decker Tacos
Crafting these sensational tacos requires a few readily available ingredients. The full, detailed measurements and complete instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this article. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Soft Flour Tortillas: Opt for soft taco-sized flour tortillas. These will be the outer layer of your double-decker, providing a soft, pliable texture.
- Crunchy Corn Taco Shells: The classic hard-shell taco is the heart of this dish, offering that satisfying crunch.
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best for a less greasy filling. However, feel free to substitute with ground chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based alternative like mashed black beans for a vegetarian option.
- Taco Seasoning: A packet of store-bought taco seasoning is convenient, or you can whip up your own homemade blend for a customizable flavor profile. My homemade recipe is fantastic!
- Onion: A small, finely chopped onion adds aromatic depth to the ground beef.
- Shredded Mexican Cheese: A blend of Mexican cheeses works wonderfully for melting, but don’t hesitate to use what you have on hand. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack are all excellent choices.
- Refried Beans: A can of refried beans is a quick and easy solution. For an even fresher taste, consider making your own refried beans from scratch.
- Milk: Any type of milk helps to thin out the refried beans, making them smoother and easier to spread.
- Salsa: A touch of salsa mixed into the refried beans enhances their flavor. Use your favorite store-bought variety or homemade salsa for an extra kick.
- Favorite Toppings: This is where you can get creative! Classic toppings include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, more salsa, pico de gallo, shredded cheese, sliced black olives, a dollop of sour cream, and creamy avocado or guacamole.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Baked Double Decker Tacos
Get ready to assemble these irresistible tacos! Here’s how to create your own baked double-decker masterpieces:
1. Prepare Your Oven: Preheat your oven to a steady 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown your ground beef along with the chopped onion over medium heat. Once the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, drain any excess grease. Then, follow the instructions on your taco seasoning packet to prepare the meat, adding water and simmering until absorbed.
3. Prepare the Refried Bean Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the canned refried beans with the milk and salsa. Stir these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Next, fold in about 1/3 cup of your shredded cheese, which will melt beautifully and add extra flavor. This bean mixture will be the “glue” that holds your double-decker tacos together.
4. Assemble the Double Decker Shells: Take one soft flour tortilla and spread a generous tablespoon of your refried bean mixture evenly across one side. This creates a flavorful layer and acts as an adhesive. Gently wrap this bean-smeared flour tortilla around a crunchy corn taco shell. Place the assembled double-decker taco, seam-side down, into a baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and shells. Ensure you use a baking dish that allows the tacos to stand upright side-by-side without being overly crowded, leaving enough room to easily fill them.
5. Fill and Bake: Carefully fill each crunchy taco shell with approximately 3 tablespoons of the seasoned taco meat. Once filled, sprinkle a generous pinch of shredded cheese over the top of the meat in each taco. Transfer the baking dish to your preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the tacos are thoroughly heated through.
6. Prepare Your Toppings: While the tacos are baking, gather and prepare all your desired toppings. This includes shredding lettuce, dicing tomatoes, preparing salsa or pico de gallo, and slicing avocados. Having everything ready ensures a smooth serving experience.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, carefully remove the hot tacos from the oven. Immediately top them with fresh shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, and any other favorite toppings you’ve prepared. Serve them directly from the baking dish for easy access and a delightful presentation!
Storing Leftovers
Leftover double-decker tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. While they will still taste delicious, keep in mind that the crunchy corn shells may soften over time. We generally don’t recommend freezing this taco recipe, as the texture of the tortillas and fillings can become soggy upon thawing.
Tips for Success with Baked Tacos
- Oven Placement: Always place your baking dish on the middle rack of the oven. This ensures even cooking and prevents the bottoms of your tacos from burning.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra burst of fresh, authentic Mexican flavor, squeeze a touch of fresh lime juice over your tacos immediately after they finish baking.
- Enhanced Beef Flavor: Elevate the taste of your ground beef by incorporating a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder along with the taco seasoning.
- Preventing Soggy Shells: A common concern with baked tacos is avoiding soggy shells. Ensuring you drain the ground beef thoroughly and don’t overcrowd the baking pan will help keep your crunchy shells crisp. For the hard shells, ensure they do not overlap in the baking pan to allow air circulation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What happened to Taco Bell Double Decker Tacos? Sadly, Taco Bell removed their Double Decker Tacos from the menu in 2019, much to the disappointment of many fans. This is precisely why making your own at home is the best solution!
- What was in a Taco Bell Double Decker Taco? The classic Double Decker Taco featured a soft flour tortilla spread with a layer of refried beans, wrapped around a crunchy hard-shell taco. The hard shell was filled with seasoned ground beef, then topped with shredded cheese, crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream. Some variations also included onions or fresh avocado. Our homemade version captures that nostalgic taste perfectly.
- How do I make a double decker taco at home? Simply follow the comprehensive instructions provided in this recipe! Our guide will walk you through each step to create delicious double-decker tacos that rival any restaurant version.
- What is the hack for baking taco shells? The main trick is to arrange them in your baking pan without overlapping. This allows heat to circulate evenly, ensuring they get perfectly crispy and don’t stick together.
Creative Substitutions & Variations
One of the best things about tacos is how adaptable they are. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your Baked Double Decker Tacos:
- Meat Alternatives: Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey, ground chicken, or a vegetarian ground beef substitute. Shredded chicken, savory shredded beef, or tender carnitas also make fantastic fillings.
- Bean Variations: Experiment with different types of refried beans. If you typically use pinto beans, try black beans, and vice versa, for a slightly different flavor profile. You can also add a pinch of cumin or chili powder to your refried beans for an extra kick.
- Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, mix some chipotle in adobo sauce into your beef mixture. You can also sprinkle chopped fresh or pickled jalapeños over your finished tacos.
- Cheese Exploration: While Mexican cheese blend is a classic, don’t limit yourself. Pepper Jack can add a spicy element, while a sharp cheddar offers a robust flavor.
More Exciting Taco Tuesday Recipes
While nothing quite beats a classic seasoned ground beef taco, sometimes it’s fun to shake up Taco Tuesday with new and exciting dishes. Here are some fantastic recipes that put a unique spin on taco night:
- Baked Chicken Taquitos (pictured above)
- Mom’s Taco Casserole
- Hearty Taco Soup
- Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes
- Dorothy’s Taco Salads
- Comforting Taco Stew
- Flavorful Taco Meatloaf
- Air Fryer Taco Salad Bowls
- Taco Pork Chops
- Indian Tacos with Homemade Fry Bread
- Walking Taco Casserole
Make Every Tuesday a Taco Triumph!
If you’re seeking a fresh, exciting, and incredibly satisfying way to enjoy tacos, this Baked Double Decker Taco recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a nostalgic nod to a beloved classic, made even better with the ease of baking and the customization of homemade ingredients. Prepare to elevate your Taco Tuesday game to a whole new level and create lasting delicious memories with your family!
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Baked Double Decker Tacos
These Baked Double Decker Tacos combine a crunchy corn taco wrapped inside of a refried bean-smothered flour soft taco that’s filled with seasoned ground beef, sprinkled with shredded cheese then baked, and topped with your favorite taco fixings.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Course: Beef
Cuisine: American/Mexican
Keyword: baked double decker tacos, baked tacos, crunchy corn taco shells, Double Decker Baked Tacos, double decker taco bell, double decker taco recipe, double decker tacos, soft flour tortilla taco shells
Servings: 4 (8 tacos)
Calories: 1060 kcal
Author: Michaela Kenkel
Print Recipe
Equipment
- 12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
- Meat Chopper, 5 Curve Blades Ground Beef Chopper
- Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black
- 9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish with a Lid
Ingredients
- 8 small flour tortillas (soft taco size)
- 8 crunchy corn taco shells
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 taco seasoning packet or your own homemade blend
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Mexican cheese, divided
- 1 (14 ounce) can refried beans
- 1 Tablespoon milk
- 1 Tablespoon salsa or taco sauce
- Topping Ideas: lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, cheese, olives, sour cream, avocado, shredded Mexican cheese, jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown ground beef with onion in a skillet. Prepare according to taco seasoning packet instructions.
- In a small bowl, combine refried beans with milk and salsa. Stir until smooth, then fold in 1/3 cup shredded cheese.
- Spread a heaping Tablespoon of bean mixture over a flour tortilla. Wrap it around a corn tortilla and place it seam-side down in a baking dish. Continue with all of the shells, arranging them so they stand upright but are not too crowded.
- Fill each crunchy shell with approximately 3 tablespoons of the seasoned meat. Top each with a big pinch of remaining cheese.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tacos are hot through.
- Remove from oven. Top with shredded lettuce and tomatoes, and serve directly from the dish.
- Add your desired toppings to each taco.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on October 2, 2015. It has been updated to improve user experience and re-shared on May 15, 2023.