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Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos Recipe

4.8 from 103 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Add fresh toppings: Remove the tacos from the oven and garnish with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onions, and chopped fresh cilantro.
  8. 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