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Cheesy Oven Baked Tacos – The Ultimate Easy Weeknight Dinner

Cheesy Oven Baked Tacos
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These Cheesy Oven Baked Tacos are crispy, melty, flavor-packed, and unbelievably easy to make. With seasoned ground beef, crunchy taco shells, and gooey cheese baked to perfection, they’re the ideal quick weeknight dinner, taco luncheon idea, or party-friendly meal.

Ingredients

For the Taco Filling:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes with green chiles (optional)

For Assembling the Tacos:

  • 10 hard taco shells
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
  • Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, avocado, green onions, cilantro

Kitchen Tools Needed:

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Baking dish or tray (9×13” recommended)
  • Tongs or spoon for filling
  • Parchment or foil (optional for cleanup)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cook the Beef: In a skillet, sauté onion until translucent. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Season the Meat: Stir in taco seasoning, water, and optional tomatoes with chiles. Simmer 5–7 minutes until thickened.
  4. Prepare Taco Shells: Stand taco shells upright in a baking dish, nestling closely so they stay upright.
  5. Assemble: Fill each shell about 2/3 full with beef mixture and top generously with shredded cheese.
  6. Bake: Bake 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and shells are crisp.
  7. Serve: Add toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, salsa, or cilantro. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Simmer beef filling until thick to prevent soggy taco shells.
  • Add cheese to the bottom of shells for extra crisp and flavor.
  • Create a taco bar for customizable toppings.
  • You can substitute turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • Great make-ahead option—assemble up to 24 hours ahead and bake before serving.

Find it online: https://recipesize.com/cheesy-oven-baked-tacos/