My mom always made tacos on Tuesday nights. It was a simple tradition, but one that filled our home with warmth and the delicious aroma of seasoned meat. I remember eagerly waiting for the oven timer to ding, signaling that the cheesy oven baked tacos were ready.
Those Tuesday night tacos were more than just a meal; they were a symbol of family, comfort, and togetherness. As an adult, I still crave that familiar taste, and this recipe brings back all those cherished memories. If you are looking for another satisfying taco recipe, then you have to check out these rotisserie chicken tacos for another tasty option.
Why you’ll love this Cheesy Oven-Baked Tacos with Cheesy Oven Baked Tacos
- These cheesy oven baked tacos are incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
- The combination of crispy taco shells, savory ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love.
- You can customize these tacos with your favorite toppings, making them a versatile dish that caters to individual preferences.
- Clean-up is a breeze with this oven-baked method, as there’s no need to stand over a hot stove to assemble each taco individually.
- This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients, making it a budget-friendly option for feeding the whole family.
- Baking the tacos in the oven ensures that the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly, while the taco shells become delightfully crispy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 12 taco shells (hard)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, guacamole
Directions
Step 1
Cheesy oven baked tacos makes every moment feel velvety. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2
In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 3
Stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the beef is well seasoned.
Step 4
Fill each taco shell with the seasoned ground beef. Don’t overfill them, or they might be difficult to handle later.
Step 5
Arrange the filled tacos in the prepared baking dish. Stand them upright so the fillings don’t spill out during baking.
Step 6
Top each taco with shredded cheddar cheese. Be generous with the cheese – it’s what makes these tacos extra delicious!
Step 7
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the taco shells are slightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 8
Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole. Let everyone customize their own tacos for a fun and interactive meal.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or a can of drained and rinsed black beans. Season them with the taco seasoning as directed for a flavorful filling.
Add some extra veggies to your cheesy oven baked tacos by mixing in diced bell peppers, onions, or corn to the ground beef mixture. This adds a boost of nutrients and flavor.
Spice things up by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture. You can also use a spicier taco seasoning for an extra kick.
Pairings
Serve these cheesy oven baked tacos with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete and satisfying meal. A simple salad with a lime vinaigrette also makes a refreshing accompaniment.
For a festive touch, pair the tacos with homemade pico de gallo and guacamole. The fresh flavors of these condiments complement the richness of the tacos perfectly.
Consider serving a creamy cilantro-lime sauce alongside the tacos for dipping. This adds a burst of freshness and tanginess that complements the savory flavors.
Serving ideas
Arrange the baked tacos on a platter and garnish with chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of chili powder. This makes for a visually appealing presentation.
Set up a taco bar with all the toppings in separate bowls, allowing everyone to customize their own tacos. This is a great way to cater to individual preferences.
Serve the cheesy oven baked tacos with a refreshing beverage, such as horchata or limeade. For a fun twist, check out these Jalapeño Popper Enchiladas at Fork Haven for another spicy Mexican-inspired dish.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Leftover cheesy oven baked tacos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Place them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
To reheat, bake the tacos in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the taco shells may become a bit soggy.
Freezing is not recommended as the taco shells may become too brittle and the filling may lose its texture. It’s best to enjoy these tacos fresh.
Make-ahead
You can prepare the ground beef filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This will save you time on busy weeknights.
Shred the cheese and chop the toppings in advance to make the assembly process even faster. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator.
Assemble the tacos just before baking to prevent the taco shells from becoming soggy. This will ensure that they remain crispy and delicious.
Common mistakes when making Cheesy Oven-Baked Tacos
- Overfilling the taco shells can cause them to break or become difficult to handle. Use a moderate amount of filling to avoid this issue.
- Not draining the excess grease from the ground beef can result in greasy tacos. Always drain the grease thoroughly before adding the taco seasoning.
- Overbaking the tacos can cause the taco shells to become too hard or burnt. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven when the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Using too much water when simmering the ground beef mixture can result in a watery filling. Use only the amount of water specified in the recipe.
- Forgetting to grease the baking dish can cause the tacos to stick. Always lightly grease the dish before arranging the tacos.
Final notes
These cheesy oven baked tacos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that are both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Feel free to get creative with your toppings and customize them to your liking.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and flavor combinations to create your own signature cheesy oven baked tacos. This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and memorable meal with your loved ones. Happy cooking!
Loved this Cheesy Oven-Baked Tacos? Try these next
- Rotisserie Chicken Tacos
- Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Slow Cooker Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
- Jalapeño Popper Enchiladas Amazing Jalapeo Popper
- Amazing Cannoli Cookies Recipe
Cheesy Oven-Baked Tacos
These cheesy oven-baked tacos are a quick, easy, and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. Crispy taco shells are filled with seasoned ground beef and smothered in melted cheese, creating a family-friendly favorite.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 12 taco shells (hard)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, guacamole
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the beef is well seasoned.
- Fill each taco shell with the seasoned ground beef.
- Arrange the filled tacos in the prepared baking dish.
- Top each taco with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the taco shells are slightly golden brown.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture. These tacos are best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg