Name: Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos (Crispy & Loaded) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 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; 8 hard taco shells; 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend); 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)

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Introduction

Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos are a delicious twist on a classic favorite, offering perfectly crispy shells loaded with savory beef and melted cheese. This easy recipe is great for a quick weeknight meal that feels special and satisfying.

Four crispy yellow corn tortillas with charred spots are folded in half and filled with layers of melted orange cheese, browned ground beef, shredded light green lettuce, and small pieces of red tomato. The tacos are placed side by side on a white plate that rests on a gray cloth with a bowl of light brown sauce in the background. The setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
8 hard taco shells
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the hard taco shells upright in a baking dish so they remain stable while baking.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic and taco seasoning to the skillet, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in the tomato sauce or salsa and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly into each taco shell. Then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the beef in each shell.
Step 6: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the taco shells are crisp and golden.
Step 7: Remove the tacos from the oven and top them with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro for freshness. Serve warm with optional sour cream, guacamole, jalapeño slices, or hot sauce as desired.

Tips & Variations

For added flavor, try mixing some chopped green chilies or corn into the beef before filling the tacos.
Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack for a richer taste and gooier texture.
For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
Customize toppings according to your preference—avocado slices or pickled onions make great additions.

Storage

Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes to keep the shells crispy. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain crispness.

How to Serve

The image shows three tacos placed next to each other in a silver tray on a white marbled surface. Each taco has a golden, slightly crispy shell with melted cheese baked on the outside, showing a bubbly and browned texture. Inside, there is a layer of cooked ground meat with a rich, brown color and slightly crumbly texture. On top of the meat, fresh green lettuce pieces are scattered along with small chunks of red tomato and diced purple onion, adding a fresh and colorful contrast. The tacos are filled generously, making them look full and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these tacos ahead of time?

You can prepare the beef mixture and chop toppings in advance, but it’s best to assemble and bake the tacos just before serving to ensure the shells stay crisp.

What can I use if I don’t have a taco seasoning packet?

You can easily make your own taco seasoning using a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.