Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos
These oven-baked cheesy tacos are crispy, loaded, and easy to make. They feature seasoned beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, baked to perfection for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
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
- Optional Toppings: Sour cream, Jalapeños, Guacamole, Hot sauce
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with foil.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until browned.
- Stir in taco seasoning, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Fill each taco shell with the meat mixture, sprinkle generously with cheese, and place the tacos standing side by side in the baking dish.
Baking
- Bake for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and tacos are lightly crispy.
Serving
- Remove from oven and top with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Add sour cream, guacamole, or hot sauce if desired.
Notes
Serve hot with bowls of toppings for customization. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat to keep shells crispy.