Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos (Crispy & Loaded) Recipe

Introduction

Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos are a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Crispy taco shells loaded with seasoned beef and melted cheese make for a satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

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

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

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack for a richer flavor.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add black beans or corn to the beef mixture for extra texture and nutrition.
• For spicier tacos, add diced jalapeños into the beef mixture or top with hot sauce.
• Warm taco shells slightly before filling to make them more flexible and less likely to crack.

Storage

Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place tacos on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Fresh toppings should be added after reheating for the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake the tacos just before serving to keep shells crispy.

Can I use soft tortillas instead of hard taco shells?

While this recipe is designed for hard taco shells to achieve a crispy texture, you can use soft tortillas. Bake for less time and watch closely to avoid drying them out.

Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos (Crispy & Loaded) Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 138 reviews

Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos are a deliciously crispy and flavorful meal featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings all baked to perfection. This easy recipe combines the zest of taco seasoning with the comforting texture of melted cheese and crunchy taco shells, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 tacos 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Mixture

• 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

Taco Shells & Cheese

• 8 hard taco shells
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)

Fresh Toppings

• 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

1. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the hard taco shells upright in a baking dish ensuring they won’t tip over during baking to keep their shape and crispiness.
2. Cook Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and finely diced onion until the beef is browned and onions are softened. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Add the minced garlic and taco seasoning, stirring for about 1 minute to release the flavors. Pour in the tomato sauce or salsa, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and the mixture is well combined.
3. Assemble Tacos: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly into each taco shell. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the meat filling to ensure a gooey, cheesy layer after baking.
4. Bake: Place the baking dish with the assembled tacos into the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the taco shells become crisp and golden brown.
5. Add Fresh Toppings: Carefully remove the tacos from the oven. Top each with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, and chopped cilantro if using. Serve warm, accompanied by optional sour cream, guacamole, jalapeño slices, and hot sauce for extra flavor and creaminess.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative to ground beef.
• If you prefer softer taco shells, cover the tacos with foil during baking or warm them separately.
• Customize the cheese blend with your favorite types for varied flavor profiles.
• Leftover taco filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and used for nachos or taco salads.
• For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce before baking.

Keywords: oven-baked tacos, cheesy tacos, ground beef tacos, crispy tacos, Mexican recipe, easy taco recipe