Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos
These Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos are crispy, loaded with flavorful beef, and perfect for any occasion, making them a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
- 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
For the Tacos
- 8 pieces hard taco shells
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend) Customize cheese types based on family preferences.
- 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
Preparation
- Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange taco shells upright in a baking dish.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook beef and onion until browned. Drain excess fat. Add garlic and taco seasoning; stir for 1 minute. Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble Tacos: Spoon seasoned beef evenly into taco shells. Sprinkle each generously with shredded cheese.
Baking
- Place baking dish in the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and shells are crisp and golden.
Serving
- Remove from oven and top with lettuce, tomato, onion, and cilantro. Serve warm with sour cream or guacamole.
Notes
To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to freeze them, wrap each taco individually and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for the best texture. They are also great with fresh salsa, a side of rice, or tortilla chips for crunch.