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Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos

Crispy oven-baked taco shells stuffed with seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 tacos
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Taco Filling
  • 2 pounds ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or 3 tbsp homemade
  • 0.75 cup water
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For Assembly
  • 12 corn or flour tortillas 6-inch size
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese sharp cheddar recommended
  • 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 2 Roma tomatoes diced
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 0.5 cup diced white onion
  • hot sauce optional

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook 8-10 minutes, breaking apart until no pink remains.
  3. Drain excess grease, leaving 1 tablespoon. Add taco seasoning and water, stirring to combine.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 5-7 minutes until liquid thickens.
  5. Warm tortillas in microwave for 15-20 seconds wrapped in damp paper towel.
  6. Fill each tortilla with 3-4 tablespoons seasoned beef. Fold into U-shape.
  7. Arrange filled tacos upright on prepared baking sheet, leaning against each other for support.
  8. Generously stuff each taco with shredded cheddar cheese.
  9. Bake 12-15 minutes until shells are golden brown and crispy, and cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Remove from oven and cool 2-3 minutes. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, onions, and desired toppings.
  11. Serve immediately with hot sauce and salsa on the side.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese from a block for best melting. Don't overfill tortillas to maintain crispiness. Can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef. Assembled tacos can be refrigerated up to 4 hours before baking.