Baked Double Decker Tacos: The Ultimate Crispy, Cheesy, & Easy Weeknight Meal
Welcome to your new favorite Taco Tuesday tradition! These incredibly satisfying Baked Double Decker Tacos are a culinary delight, skillfully combining the best of both taco worlds. Imagine a robust, crunchy corn taco shell, generously filled with perfectly seasoned ground beef, nestled inside a soft flour tortilla that’s been lovingly spread with creamy refried beans. A sprinkle of melty shredded cheese holds it all together before being baked to perfection, creating a symphony of textures and flavors in every single bite. Finally, crown them with your favorite fresh taco fixings for an unforgettable meal that the whole family will adore.
It’s no secret that Mexican food holds a special place in my heart, and around here, “Taco Tuesday” isn’t just a catchy phrase – it’s a sacred ritual! While I love to experiment with different taco variations each week, you can almost always guarantee that some form of delicious taco creation will be on our dinner table. These baked double-decker tacos are not only incredibly easy to prepare but are also guaranteed to be a huge hit with everyone, from the pickiest eaters to the most discerning foodies in your family. Plus, they are wonderfully filling, with this recipe comfortably serving a family of four, providing two hearty tacos per person.
Reminiscent of the beloved (and now retired) Double Decker Tacos from Taco Bell, this homemade version captures all the nostalgic flavor and adds a fresh, baked twist. Get ready for these to become a staple in your meal rotation!
If you’re craving more Mexican food inspiration to spice up your week, be sure to explore some of my other popular recipes:
- Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza: Recreate another fast-food favorite at home with this delicious recipe.
- Mexican Bean Dip: A creamy, flavorful dip perfect for appetizers or a snack.
- Mexican Four Bean Salad: A refreshing and hearty salad that’s great for potlucks or as a side dish.
Essential Ingredients for Your Double Decker Tacos
Crafting the perfect double-decker taco starts with the right ingredients. Below is a detailed list of what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips and substitution ideas. You’ll find the precise measurements and step-by-step instructions conveniently located in the printable recipe card at the very bottom of this post.
- Flour Tortillas: For the soft outer layer, I recommend using soft flour tortillas, specifically the “soft taco” size. These are pliable enough to wrap around the crunchy shell without tearing and provide that essential chewy contrast.
- Corn Taco Shells: The star of the crunch! You’ll need hard, crunchy corn taco shells for the inner layer. These provide the satisfying texture that makes double-decker tacos so unique.
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best here as it produces less grease, keeping your tacos from becoming soggy. However, feel free to experiment! Ground chicken, ground turkey, or even mashed black beans can be excellent alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option. For a different flavor profile, consider using pre-cooked shredded beef or carnitas.
- Taco Seasoning: A good quality taco seasoning is key to flavorful meat. You can easily pick up a packet at your local grocery store, or for a fresher, customizable blend, try my homemade taco seasoning recipe.
- Onion: A small, finely chopped onion adds a foundational layer of savory flavor to the ground beef mixture. It caramelizes slightly as the beef browns, enhancing the overall taste.
- Mexican Cheese: A shredded Mexican cheese blend is perfect for its melty quality and authentic flavor. However, don’t hesitate to use whatever you have on hand – shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack are all fantastic choices. The goal is gooey, delicious melted cheese!
- Refried Beans: Canned refried beans are a convenient option and form the crucial “glue” between the two taco shells. If you have extra time and want to elevate the flavor, consider making your own homemade refried beans.
- Milk: Just a touch of milk helps to thin out the refried beans, making them smoother and easier to spread. Any type of milk will work perfectly. It also helps to achieve that restaurant-style bean consistency, as seen in these tips for canned refried beans.
- Salsa: A tablespoon of your favorite salsa or taco sauce mixed into the refried beans adds an extra layer of zesty flavor and moisture. Store-bought or homemade, either will work beautifully.
- Topping Ideas: The fun part! Customize your tacos with an array of fresh toppings. Popular choices include shredded lettuce for crispness, diced tomatoes for freshness, extra salsa, pico de gallo, black olives, a dollop of cool sour cream, creamy avocado slices or guacamole, and of course, more shredded Mexican cheese. Don’t forget a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish!
How to Assemble and Bake Delicious Double Decker Tacos
Making these baked double-decker tacos is a straightforward process, perfect for a busy weeknight. Follow these steps for a delicious and satisfying meal:
Before you begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). This ensures your tacos bake evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
In a large skillet, over medium heat, brown your ground beef along with the chopped onion. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks until no pink remains. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to prevent your tacos from becoming greasy.
Now, prepare the taco meat according to the instructions on your taco seasoning packet. This usually involves adding water and simmering until the liquid is absorbed and the meat is flavorful. Set aside the seasoned meat.
In a small bowl, combine the can of refried beans with the milk and salsa. Stir these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and easily spreadable.
Next, fold in about 1/3 cup of your shredded cheese into the bean mixture. This adds extra flavor and helps bind everything together. Continue stirring until the cheese is well incorporated.
Now for the assembly! Take one soft flour tortilla and spread a generous tablespoon of the refried bean mixture evenly over its surface. This bean layer acts as the delicious adhesive.
Carefully wrap the bean-smeared flour tortilla around a crunchy corn taco shell. Gently place this double-decker creation seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat this process with all remaining shells. It’s best to use a baking dish that allows the tacos to stand upright side-by-side without being overly crowded, ensuring they can be easily filled and bake evenly.
Once all the shells are assembled in the dish, fill each crunchy inner shell with approximately 3 tablespoons of the seasoned taco meat.
Top each filled taco with a generous pinch of the remaining shredded cheese. Now, it’s time to bake! Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the tacos are heated through and hot. Keep an eye on them to ensure the flour tortillas don’t get overly crispy, maintaining their desired softness.
While your tacos are baking, gather and prepare all your favorite topping ingredients. Dice your tomatoes, shred your lettuce, and have your salsa, sour cream, and any other desired additions ready to go.
Once baked, carefully remove the tacos from the oven. Add a mountain of fresh shredded lettuce, a scattering of diced tomatoes, and a dollop of creamy sour cream right into the shells. Serve them directly from the baking dish, allowing everyone to customize their tacos with any additional desired toppings like avocado, olives, or extra cheese. Enjoy these warm and delicious tacos immediately!
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover tacos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. While they might lose some of their initial crispiness from the oven, they will still taste absolutely delicious. To reheat, you can use a microwave for speed, but for better texture, pop them back in the oven or an air fryer to help regain some of that desired crispiness. I generally don’t recommend freezing this taco recipe, as the combination of soft and hard shells with the bean mixture tends to get quite soggy upon thawing and reheating, compromising the texture.
Love It? Pin It!
If you’re already envisioning these fantastic double-decker tacos on your dinner table, make sure you don’t lose this recipe! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go so you can easily find it whenever a taco craving strikes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What happened to double decker tacos? Unfortunately, Taco Bell removed the popular Double Decker Tacos from their permanent menu in 2019, much to the dismay of many fans. This homemade recipe is the perfect way to bring them back!
- What was in a Double Decker Taco? The original Taco Bell Double Decker Taco featured a soft flour tortilla, layered with a spread of refried beans, wrapped around a crispy hard shell taco filled with seasoned ground beef. It was typically topped with shredded cheese, crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced onions, creamy sour cream, and fresh avocado or guacamole. Our recipe closely mirrors this beloved classic!
- How can I make a double decker taco like Taco Bell? Simply follow the detailed instructions provided in this recipe! We’ve meticulously recreated the essence of the classic double-decker taco, allowing you to enjoy this flavorful combination right in your own kitchen. The baking step adds an extra layer of deliciousness and melts the cheese beautifully.
- What is the hack for baking taco shells? When baking taco shells, whether hard or soft, the key is to ensure they do not overlap in the baking pan. Spacing them out allows for even heating and ensures they maintain their shape and crispness (or softness, depending on the shell type) without sticking together. For hard shells, you can often stand them upright in a taco holder or a baking dish that allows them to remain open.
Exciting Substitutions and 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: If you’re not a fan of ground beef or want to try something different, feel free to substitute with lean ground turkey, ground chicken, or a plant-based vegetarian ground beef alternative. For a truly authentic twist, consider using flavorful shredded beef, succulent carnitas, or tender shredded chicken – all work wonderfully as fillings.
- Bean Bonanza: While traditional refried pinto beans are delicious, you can easily change up the flavor profile by using refried black beans instead. They offer a slightly different earthy taste that’s equally delightful. You could also make a blend of different beans for added complexity.
- Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, mix some minced chipotle in adobo sauce with the beef mixture while it simmers. The smoky, spicy notes will elevate the flavor immensely. Alternatively, sprinkle finely chopped fresh jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce over the toppings for a fiery kick.
- Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheese varieties! A sharp cheddar will offer a stronger flavor, while a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack provides extra meltiness and a milder profile. Pepper Jack cheese can also add a pleasant subtle spice.
- Go Green: Add some finely chopped bell peppers or corn to your ground beef mixture for extra vegetables and a burst of color and sweetness.
Pro Tips & Tricks for Perfect Baked Tacos
Achieving taco perfection is all about a few key details. Here are some extra tips to ensure your Baked Double Decker Tacos come out fantastic every time:
- Optimal Oven Placement: To prevent any burning and ensure even heating, always make sure to place your baking dish on the middle rack in the oven. This allows the heat to circulate properly around the tacos, melting the cheese without overcooking the shells.
- A Zesty Finish: For an extra burst of authentic Mexican flavor, squeeze a touch of fresh lime juice over the tacos immediately after they finish baking. The acidity brightens all the flavors and adds a refreshing note.
- Boost Your Beef Flavor: Elevate the taste of your ground beef by incorporating extra seasonings. Besides your taco seasoning, a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of smoked paprika can add depth and complexity to the meat mixture.
- Warm Your Tortillas: For maximum pliability, lightly warm your flour tortillas before spreading the refried beans. You can do this by microwaving them for a few seconds, wrapping them in foil and heating them in the oven, or quickly warming them in a dry skillet. Warm tortillas are less likely to tear when wrapped.
- Preventing Soggy Bottoms: Ensure your ground beef is well-drained after browning. Excess grease can make the bottom of your tacos greasy. Additionally, a thin, even layer of refried beans acts as a barrier, protecting the flour tortilla.
- Make Ahead Magic: You can prepare the seasoned ground beef and the refried bean mixture ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to bake, simply assemble the tacos and proceed with the baking instructions. This is a great time-saver for busy weeknights!
More Taco Tuesday Recipe Inspiration
While there’s truly nothing like classic Taco Night with a big plate of seasoned ground beef tacos, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up! If you’re looking to give your Taco Tuesday a creative twist, here are some fantastic recipes to add excitement and variety to your dinner:
- Baked Chicken Taquitos (pictured above): Crispy, flavorful, and a lighter option than fried versions.
- Mom’s Taco Casserole: A comforting and easy-to-make casserole perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Taco Soup: All the flavors of a taco in a warm, hearty soup.
- Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes: A fun and customizable way to enjoy taco flavors.
- Dorothy’s Taco Salads: Fresh, crisp, and full of delicious taco goodness.
- Taco Stew: A hearty and savory stew with a Mexican flair.
- Taco Meatloaf: A creative twist on a classic comfort food.
- Air Fryer Taco Salad Bowls: Crispy edible bowls for your favorite taco salad.
- Taco Pork Chops: A unique way to infuse pork chops with vibrant taco seasonings.
- Indian Tacos with Homemade Fry Bread: A delicious fusion dish with fluffy fry bread.
- Walking Taco Casserole: All the fun of a walking taco in a convenient casserole form.
So, if it’s Tuesday (or any day, really!) and you’re searching for a fresh and exciting way to enjoy tacos, you absolutely must give this baked double-decker tacos recipe a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will undoubtedly elevate your Taco Tuesday to a whole new, delicious level. Happy cooking!
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Print Recipe
Baked Double Decker Tacos
5 minutes
25 minutes
30 minutes
Beef
American/ Mexican
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
4 (8 tacos)
1060kcal
Michaela Kenkel
Equipment
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12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
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Meat Chopper, 5 Curve Blades Ground Beef Chopper
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Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black
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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
- 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
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
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In a large skillet, brown ground beef with onion over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat. Prepare according to taco seasoning packet instructions (usually involves adding water and simmering).
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In a small bowl, combine refried beans with milk and salsa. Stir until smooth, then fold in 1/3 cup of the shredded cheese.
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Spread a heaping tablespoon of the bean mixture over a soft flour tortilla. Wrap it around a crunchy corn taco shell and place it seam-side down in a baking dish. Continue this process with all remaining shells, ensuring they are not too crowded to allow for easy filling.
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Fill each assembled double-decker shell with approximately 3 tablespoons of the seasoned taco meat. Top each with a generous pinch of the remaining shredded cheese.
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Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tacos are hot throughout.
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Remove from oven. Top with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes, then serve hot directly from the dish.
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Allow guests to add their desired toppings such as sour cream, avocado, or salsa.
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.