Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos (Print Version)
Crispy tacos with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings baked to perfection in your oven.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Meat & Aromatics
01 -
1 lb ground beef
02 -
1 small onion, finely diced
03 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Seasonings & Sauces
04 -
1 packet taco seasoning
05 -
2/3 cup tomato sauce or salsa
06 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ Shells & Cheese
07 -
8 hard taco shells
08 -
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
→ Fresh Toppings
09 -
1 cup shredded lettuce
10 -
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
11 -
1/4 cup diced red onion
12 -
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
→ Optional Garnishes
13 -
Sour cream (optional)
14 -
Guacamole (optional)
15 -
Jalapeño slices (optional)
16 -
Hot sauce (optional)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the hard taco shells upright in a baking dish to prepare for filling.
02 -
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with diced onion until browned and onions are tender. Drain excess fat. Add minced garlic and taco seasoning, stirring for one minute. Pour in tomato sauce or salsa and simmer for five minutes to blend flavors.
03 -
Evenly spoon the seasoned beef mixture into each taco shell. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the filling in each shell.
04 -
Place the baking dish with filled tacos into the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and shells are golden and crisp.
05 -
Remove tacos from oven and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, and chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm with optional sour cream, guacamole, jalapeño slices, or hot sauce.
# Extra Tips & Details:
01 -
Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content without compromising flavor.
02 -
Avoid overfilling shells to ensure even cheese melting and crispiness.
03 -
For added crunch, broil tacos for an additional 1 minute at the end of baking.
04 -
Assembled tacos can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.