Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos
Enjoy delicious, cheesy tacos baked to perfection with a crispy shell and flavorful beef filling.
Ingredients
Meat Filling
- 1 lb ground beef you can use turkey or plant-based crumbles as an alternative
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
- ⅔ cup tomato sauce or salsa
- Salt & pepper to taste
Taco Assembly
- 8 pieces hard taco shells Arrange shells upright in a baking dish
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend) Choose your preferred type of cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
- Sour cream (optional) For serving
- Guacamole (optional) For serving
- Jalapeño slices (optional) For serving
- Hot sauce (optional) For serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange taco shells upright in a baking dish.
Cooking the Filling
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add in the minced garlic and taco seasoning, stirring for 1 minute.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Assembling the Tacos
- Spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly into the taco shells.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the beef in each taco.
Baking
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and taco shells are crisp and golden.
Finishing Touches
- Remove from oven and top each taco with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, and optional cilantro.
- Serve warm with optional toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, jalapeño slices, or hot sauce.
Notes
Feel free to experiment with different meats or plant-based options. Keep an eye on the tacos as they bake to avoid burning. If using soft tortillas, warm them up before assembly.