Name: Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef; 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; 8 hard taco shells; 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend); 1 cup shredded lettuce; ½ cup diced tomatoes; ¼ cup diced red onion; 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional); Sour cream (optional); Guacamole (optional); Jalapeño slices (optional); Hot sauce (optional)

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Introduction

Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos are a delicious twist on a classic favorite, offering crispy shells loaded with seasoned beef and melted cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to customize with your favorite toppings and spices.

The image shows three tacos in a white dish, each with three visible layers. The bottom layer is a soft yellow corn tortilla, slightly folded. The middle layer is a rich, dark brown ground beef filling mixed with small bits of red tomato and green herbs. The top layer is melted golden cheese, bubbling and slightly browned, with small bits of diced red onion and green cilantro sprinkled on top, adding color contrast. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) ground beef
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
8 hard taco shells
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
1 cup shredded lettuce
½ cup diced tomatoes
¼ cup diced red onion
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
Sour cream (optional)
Guacamole (optional)
Jalapeño slices (optional)
Hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the hard taco shells upright in a baking dish to prepare for filling.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic and taco seasoning to the skillet. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in the tomato sauce or salsa, season with salt and pepper, and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 5: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly into each taco shell. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the top.
Step 6: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the taco shells are crisp and golden.
Step 7: Remove the tacos from the oven, then top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro if using.
Step 8: Serve warm with optional sides like sour cream, guacamole, jalapeño slices, or hot sauce for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier taco, add jalapeño slices before baking to infuse heat into the cheese.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Use your favorite salsa or add black beans for extra texture and nutrition.
Customize toppings to suit your taste—try avocado, pickled onions, or a squeeze of lime.

Storage

Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to retain crispiness and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the shells soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of three tacos on a white plate, each taco with a crispy yellow shell filled generously. The bottom layer inside the shell is a rich, browned ground beef mixture, followed by a layer of melted yellow cheese. On top of the cheese, there are small bits of bright green lettuce and finely chopped red onions. The tacos are arranged side by side, slightly overlapping, with a white marbled surface in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use soft tortillas instead of hard taco shells?

Yes, you can use soft tortillas; however, the texture will be different. If you bake them in the oven, they won’t become as crisp but will still be delicious and hold the filling well.

How do I make homemade taco seasoning?

Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust quantities based on your preference for spice and flavor. This mix can replace store-bought taco seasoning in the recipe.