The Best Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos are an irresistible go-to meal that will have your family members clamoring for more. With their delicious blend of seasoned meat, gooey cheese, and crispy taco shells, these tacos can easily become the star of any dinner. They are perfect for weeknight meals, game day gatherings, or simply when you crave something comforting yet fun.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 450
- Protein: 25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fat: 25 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
Why Make This The Best Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos
These Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos stand out not just for their cheesy goodness, but also for their ease of preparation. They combine the classic flavors of tacos with a baked twist, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully and the taco shells to achieve that perfect crunch. Plus, they are versatile—feel free to customize toppings to suit your personal taste, making them great for families and gatherings alike.
How to Make The Best Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos
Creating the Best Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow this guide to achieve perfectly cheesy, crispy tacos with a medley of flavors.
Ingredients:
- 12 taco shells
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 can refried beans (optional)
- 1 cup salsa
- Toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, avocado
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your tacos will bake evenly and come out crispy.
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Step 2: Cooking the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep your tacos from becoming greasy.
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Step 3: Seasoning
Stir in the taco seasoning and follow the package instructions. This step is crucial as it infuses your meat with authentic taco flavor.
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Step 4: Assembling The Tacos
Optional: Spread refried beans at the bottom of each taco shell for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess. Fill each taco shell with the seasoned meat mixture, layer with cheese, and place them in a baking dish.
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Step 5: Baking
Drizzle the salsa over the top and add more cheese if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the tacos are crispy.
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Step 6: Serving
Serve immediately, topped with your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, and avocado for a fresh finish.
How to Serve The Best Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos
These tacos are fantastic on their own but serve them alongside a side of guacamole and tortilla chips for an added fiesta feel. They make an exciting centerpiece for a casual dinner party and are sure to please crowds of all ages.
How to Store The Best Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is unlikely!), allow the tacos to cool and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to regain that crispy texture.
Expert Tips for Perfect The Best Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos
- Choose lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier option.
- For added texture, shred your cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese.
- Feel free to spice it up! Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture for a kick.
- If you’re using soft taco shells, adjust the baking time to accommodate their texture.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Tacos: Swap out the ground meat for black beans or a medley of vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
- Spicy Tacos: Add diced green chiles or diced jalapeños to the meat for a spicier flavor.
- Seafood Variation: Use shrimp or fish with a taco seasoning blend for a seafood twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use corn tortillas instead of taco shells?
Yes! Just note that corn tortillas may need to be baked a little longer for the desired crispiness. -
How can I make these tacos gluten-free?
Use gluten-free taco shells and make sure the taco seasoning is labeled gluten-free. -
Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
While they are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the tacos just before baking. -
What toppings do you recommend?
Try adding guacamole, diced onions, pico de gallo, or cilantro for extra flavor! -
Can I freeze the tacos?
It’s best to freeze the filling and shells separately. Assemble and bake them fresh for the best texture.
Conclusion
The Best Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos blend crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors into an unforgettable meal. They’re simple to make, endless in customization, and perfect for bringing everyone to the table. So gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family over, and dive into this delightful recipe that promises smiles all around! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
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The Best Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Delicious oven-baked tacos filled with seasoned meat, gooey cheese, and customizable toppings.
Ingredients
- 12 taco shells
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 can refried beans (optional)
- 1 cup salsa
- Toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, avocado
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned and drain excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning as per package instructions.
- Optional: Spread refried beans at the bottom of each taco shell. Fill with seasoned meat, layer with cheese, and place in a baking dish.
- Drizzle salsa over the top and add more cheese if desired. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and tacos are crispy.
- Serve topped with your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, and avocado.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
