Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos Recipe

Introduction

Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos are a delightful twist on the classic taco night, combining savory seasoned meat and melted cheese baked right inside crispy shells. This easy recipe brings together fresh toppings and gooey cheese for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

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 for 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Step 2: Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up 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 combine flavors.
4. Step 4: Arrange the warmed taco shells upright in a baking dish. Spoon the seasoned meat evenly into each shell.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the meat in each taco.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Remove from oven and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, and fresh cilantro. Add any optional toppings you like.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your cheesy, flavorful oven-baked tacos!

Tips & Variations

• For a healthier option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
• Use a homemade taco seasoning mix with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder for a personalized taste.
• Try adding black beans or corn to the meat mixture for extra texture and nutrition.
• Top with avocado slices or a dollop of guacamole for additional creaminess.

Storage

Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes to keep the shells crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the tacos ahead of time?

You can assemble the tacos with the cooked meat and toppings, then cover and refrigerate before baking. Bake them right before serving to keep the shells crisp and cheese melted.

What can I use if I don’t have taco seasoning?

If you don’t have a packet, mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a simple homemade taco seasoning.

Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 77 reviews

This Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos recipe combines ground beef seasoned with classic taco spices, topped with melty cheddar cheese and baked to perfection for a quick and delicious dinner. Packed with fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro, these tacos are perfect for a family meal or casual get-together. Customize with your favorite toppings like sour cream and guacamole for an extra burst of flavor.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat & Seasoning

• 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 Shells & Cheese

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

Fresh 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 filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Season the meat: Stir in taco seasoning and tomato sauce or salsa. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble the tacos: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the taco shells on a baking sheet and fill each shell with the cooked meat mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously on top of each taco.
5. Bake the tacos: Bake in preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
6. Add fresh toppings: Remove tacos from oven and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, and chopped cilantro.
7. Serve and customize: Add optional toppings such as sour cream, jalapeños, guacamole, or hot sauce as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• If you prefer crispier shells, warm them in the oven before filling.
• Use homemade taco seasoning to control sodium and additives.
• For a vegetarian version, replace meat with seasoned cooked lentils or sautéed mushrooms.
• Leftover taco meat can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Cheesy Tacos, Oven-Baked Tacos, Ground Beef Tacos, Easy Taco Recipe, Mexican Dinner