Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos Recipe
Delicious Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos featuring seasoned ground beef baked with melted cheddar cheese in crisp taco shells, topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 tacos 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 10 small taco shells (flour or corn, slightly warmed)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Prepare the meat filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the ground meat: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Season the meat: Stir in the taco seasoning and tomato sauce or salsa. Mix well to combine all flavors. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble the tacos: Arrange the warmed taco shells on a baking sheet. Fill each shell evenly with the seasoned meat mixture. Top each taco with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake the tacos: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Add fresh toppings: Remove the tacos from the oven and garnish with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onions, and chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the oven-baked cheesy tacos immediately with your favorite sides or salsa for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use corn taco shells for a gluten-free option if desired.
- Adjust the amount of cheese according to your preference for a creamier or lighter filling.
- For extra heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture or as a topping.
- Leftover taco filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before assembling.
Keywords: oven baked tacos, cheesy tacos, taco recipe, ground beef tacos, easy Mexican dinner, baked taco shells