Name: Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos (Crispy & Loaded) You’ll Love Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
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: Sour cream, Jalapeños, Guacamole, Hot sauce

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Introduction

Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos are a delicious twist on classic tacos, combining crispy shells loaded with savory meat and melted cheese. This easy recipe makes a perfect weeknight meal that’s sure to satisfy taco lovers of all ages.

A metal tray filled with two neat rows of seven small golden-brown tacos, each taco folded and stuffed with browned ground meat mixed with melted cheese, topped with finely chopped green herbs and small bits of red tomato, resting on a bed of shredded light green lettuce. Pink pickled onion rings and lime wedges are scattered on top and around the tacos. Around the tray, there are small white bowls containing creamy light orange sauce, green guacamole, and a colorful salsa mix of chopped red tomatoes, onions, and green herbs. The tray sits on a white marbled surface with sprigs of fresh cilantro and a glass of light golden beer nearby, with part of a yellow and white checkered cloth underneath the tray. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and softened.
Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato sauce or salsa, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Fill each warmed taco shell with a generous amount of the meat mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, then stand the tacos upright side by side in the prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and the taco shells turn lightly crispy.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onions, and chopped cilantro. Add optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños, or hot sauce as desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef without sacrificing flavor.
Warm the taco shells in the oven briefly before filling to help them crisp up evenly during baking.
Add black beans or corn to the meat mixture for extra texture and nutrition.
Try different cheeses like pepper jack or queso fresco for varied taste profiles.
If you prefer spicier tacos, mix in diced jalapeños with the meat or sprinkle hot sauce on top before baking.

Storage

Store leftover cheesy tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep shells crispy. Microwaving is quicker but may result in softer shells.

How to Serve

A tray filled with several tacos lined up closely, each taco showing three main layers: a golden-brown crisp shell on the outside, followed by a thick layer of cooked ground beef that looks juicy and dark brown, then topped with melted cheddar cheese in a bright orange color. Above the cheese, there is a fresh layer of finely shredded green lettuce mixed with small pieces of diced red tomatoes and purple onions, adding a fresh texture and color contrast. The tacos are packed tightly with each shell slightly overlapping the next, placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and assemble the tacos earlier. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving to ensure the shells stay crispy.

What if I don’t have taco seasoning?

You can easily make your own blend using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust amounts to your taste.