Name: Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil (For sautéing); 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken); 1 packet taco seasoning (Store-bought or homemade); ½ cup tomato sauce or salsa; salt and pepper to taste; 10 small taco shells (flour or corn) (Slightly warmed); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend) (Be generous); shredded lettuce (For garnish); diced tomatoes (For garnish); diced red onion (For garnish); chopped cilantro (For garnish); optional toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, guacamole, or hot sauce

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why make this recipe

Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos are a fun and easy meal that everyone will enjoy. These tacos come out crispy and loaded with delicious fillings, making them perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Plus, baking them in the oven means you can make a lot at once, saving you time in the kitchen. The combination of seasoned meat, melted cheese, and fresh toppings makes each bite a delightful experience.

how to make Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos

To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your baking dish by lightly greasing it or lining it with foil. In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add a diced small onion and two minced garlic cloves, and sauté until fragrant. Next, add 1 pound of ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken), breaking it up as it cooks. Mix in a packet of taco seasoning, ½ cup of tomato sauce or salsa, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Now it’s time to fill your tacos! Take 10 small taco shells (flour or corn, slightly warmed) and spoon the meat mixture into each shell. Be generous with the cheese; you’ll need 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend). Stand the filled taco shells side by side in your baking dish.

Bake your tacos in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tacos are lightly crispy. Once done, remove from the oven and top them with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. If you like, add optional toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, guacamole, or hot sauce for extra flavor.

how to serve Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos

Serve your Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos hot out of the oven. Arrange them nicely on a platter and let everyone choose their favorite toppings. These tacos are great as a main dish, and you can accompany them with chips and salsa or a side salad for a complete meal.

how to store Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos

If you have leftovers, store the tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid microwaving them, as they can become soggy.

tips to make Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos

For extra flavor, try adding some chopped bell peppers or corn to the meat mixture.
You can customize the cheese by mixing different types, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
Make sure to warm the taco shells slightly before filling them; this helps prevent them from cracking.

variation

For a vegetarian option, replace the ground meat with black beans or lentils. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to the filling.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
Yes, using store-bought taco seasoning is a quick and easy option. Just follow the instructions on the packet!

Can I freeze these tacos?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Once assembled, you can wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How do I make these tacos spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños into the meat mixture or using spicy salsa or hot sauce as a topping.