Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/oven-baked-cheesy-tacos-recipe/
