Can I use soft taco shells instead of hard taco shells?

While hard taco shells are traditional for this recipe and give you that satisfying crunch, soft taco shells will also work. Just make sure to adjust the baking time, as they won’t need as long in the oven to crisp up.

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the beef mixture and assemble the tacos ahead of time. Just cover them tightly and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, pop them in the oven and enjoy!

How can I make these tacos spicier?

If you like a little heat, try adding some sliced jalapeños to the beef mixture while it’s simmering or top your tacos with extra hot sauce or fresh chilies.

Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos: 5 Simple Steps to Crispy Bliss

Name: Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef; 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; 8 hard taco shells; 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend); 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)

Description

These crispy, Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos are loaded with flavorful seasoned beef and topped with gooey melted cheese, fresh tomatoes, and vibrant cilantro. A perfect weeknight meal that everyone will love!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450 g) ground beef
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
8 hard taco shells
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
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)

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Instructions

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.
Bake: Place baking dish in the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and shells are crisp and golden.
Add Fresh Toppings: Remove from oven and top with lettuce, tomato, onion, and cilantro. Serve warm with sour cream or guacamole.

Notes

You can use any type of shredded cheese based on your preference, like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.

For a vegetarian option, swap the beef for black beans or sautéed vegetables.

To make it spicier, add some jalapeños or hot sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Oven-baked
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 taco
Calories: Approximately 250–300 calories
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 400–600 mg
Fat: 12–15 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3–4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20–25 g
Fiber: 2–3 g
Protein: 15–18 g
Cholesterol: 40–60 mg