Description
These Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make meal featuring seasoned ground beef, melted Mexican cheese, and fresh toppings. Perfectly crispy and cheesy, they offer a flavorful twist on classic tacos baked to perfection in the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
Taco Shells and Cheese
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (divided: 1 1/2 cups inside tacos, 1/2 cup on top)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the tacos later.
- Brown the Beef: Cook 1 pound ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease to avoid soggy tacos.
- Season the Beef: Add 1 packet taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water to the browned beef. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and is flavorful.
- Warm Tortillas: Heat the 8 small corn tortillas for about 30 seconds in a microwave until they become flexible and easier to fold without cracking.
- Assemble Tacos: Divide the seasoned beef evenly among each tortilla.
- Add Cheese Inside: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the beef inside the tortillas.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Stand the tacos upright in a baking dish to maintain their shape and allow even baking.
- Add Cheese on Top: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese on top of the tacos for an extra cheesy crust.
- Bake Tacos: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the tacos are crispy and the cheese has melted beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and top each taco with 1/2 cup diced tomatoes and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, lightly brush tortillas with oil before filling and baking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Use small flour tortillas if corn tortillas are not available, but adjust warming time accordingly.
- Add sour cream, avocado slices, or hot sauce as additional toppings if desired.
- Ensure the tacos are arranged upright securely to prevent tipping over in the baking dish.
