Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos
Delicious and flavorful tacos baked in the oven for a crispy finish, loaded with cheese and your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
For the taco filling
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken) Use your preferred ground meat option.
- 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing.
- 1 small onion, diced Adds sweetness and flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced For aromatic flavor.
- 1 packet taco seasoning Or use a homemade mix.
- ½ cup tomato sauce or salsa Adds moisture and flavor.
- to taste Salt & pepper To enhance flavor.
For assembly
- 10 small taco shells (flour or corn, slightly warmed) To hold the filling.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend) For melty goodness.
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded Fresh topping.
- ½ cup diced tomatoes Fresh topping.
- ½ cup red onion, diced Adds crunch and flavor.
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped Optional fresh herb garnish.
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream For creaminess.
- Jalapeños For heat.
- Guacamole For richness.
- Hot sauce For extra spice.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and either lightly grease a baking dish or line it with foil for easy cleanup.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
- Introduce the ground beef (or alternative) to the skillet, breaking it up as it browns. Mix in the taco seasoning, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer this mixture for about 5 minutes.
- Carefully fill each taco shell with the meat mixture, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Stand the filled shells in your baking dish.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the taco shells are golden and crispy.
Serving
- Top your tacos with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Add optional toppings to taste.
Notes
Feel free to make substitutions where necessary! You can also prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and fill the taco shells a few hours in advance.