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Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/oven-baked-cheesy-tacos-recipe/