Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos (Crispy & Loaded) Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
