Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos Recipe

Introduction

Oven-baked cheesy tacos are a delicious twist on a classic favorite, combining crispy shells with melty cheese and a flavorful beef filling. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
• ½ cup tomato sauce or salsa
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 10 small taco shells (flour or corn, slightly warmed)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
• 1 cup lettuce, shredded
• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cup red onion, diced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Optional toppings: sour cream, jalapeños, guacamole, hot sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning and tomato sauce or salsa. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Step 4: Arrange the warmed taco shells upright in a baking dish. Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each shell.
5. Step 5: Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the filled tacos. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and top each taco with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, and chopped cilantro.
7. Step 7: Add optional toppings such as sour cream, jalapeños, guacamole, or hot sauce if desired. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Try adding black beans or corn to the beef mixture for extra texture and flavor.
• If you prefer softer tacos, wrap filled shells in foil before baking to steam them slightly.
• Homemade taco seasoning can be made with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.

Storage

Store any leftover taco filling and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Taco shells are best stored at room temperature in a sealed bag. Reheat the filling in a skillet or microwave, then assemble tacos fresh to keep shells crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these tacos gluten-free?

Yes, use corn taco shells that are labeled gluten-free and ensure your taco seasoning does not contain gluten ingredients.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Absolutely. Cook the beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat before filling the taco shells and baking.

Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 304 reviews

This Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos recipe transforms classic tacos into a deliciously melty and crispy meal. Ground beef seasoned with savory spices, combined with melted cheddar cheese inside warm taco shells, then baked to perfection. Topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for a flavorful crunch. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 10 tacos 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Mixture

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
• ½ cup tomato sauce or salsa
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Taco Assembly

• 10 small taco shells (flour or corn, slightly warmed)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)

Toppings

• 1 cup lettuce, shredded
• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cup red onion, diced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Optional Toppings: Sour cream, Jalapeños, Guacamole, Hot sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, approximately 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Season the Meat: Sprinkle taco seasoning over the cooked beef, stirring well to evenly coat. Pour in tomato sauce or salsa to add moisture and flavor, mixing thoroughly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine all flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Tacos: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slightly warm the taco shells to make them more pliable and less likely to crack during baking. Fill each shell with a generous spoonful of the meat mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly inside each filled shell.
4. Bake the Tacos: Place the filled taco shells standing up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted and the shells are crispy and golden around the edges.
5. Add Fresh Toppings: Remove tacos from the oven and immediately top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onions, and chopped cilantro. Add any optional toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, guacamole, or hot sauce to taste.
6. Serve: Serve the oven-baked cheesy tacos warm for the best taste and texture. Enjoy with your favorite sides or salsa for a complete meal.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Homemade taco seasoning can be used for a fresher taste and to control sodium content.
• Warm taco shells slightly before filling to prevent cracking during baking.
• Adjust baking time depending on your oven and shell thickness to avoid burning.
• Customize toppings based on personal preferences and dietary needs.

Keywords: baked tacos, cheesy tacos, ground beef tacos, easy taco recipe, oven-baked tacos, Mexican tacos