Description

Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos are a deliciously crispy and loaded twist on classic tacos. Ground beef cooked with onions, garlic, and taco seasoning is filled into warm taco shells, topped generously with melted cheddar cheese, and baked to perfection. Finished with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, and optionally topped with sour cream, guacamole, or hot sauce, these tacos are perfect for a family meal or a casual gathering.

Ingredients

Meat Mixture

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

Tacos

10 small taco shells (flour or corn, slightly warmed)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)

Toppings

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

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with foil to prepare for baking the tacos.
Prepare Meat Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks until browned. Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato sauce or salsa, and season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
Assemble Tacos: Fill each warmed taco shell with the prepared meat mixture. Sprinkle each filled shell generously with 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese. Place the filled tacos standing side by side in the prepared baking dish.
Bake: Bake the tacos in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the taco shells are lightly crispy.
Add Fresh Toppings: Remove the tacos from the oven and top them with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro. Add optional toppings such as sour cream, jalapeños, guacamole, or hot sauce according to your preference.

Notes

For a healthier option, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Customize the toppings to your liking for added flavor and texture.
These tacos can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican