Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos Crispy and Loaded
Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos are loaded with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and fresh toppings, all baked until crispy for the ultimate easy taco night dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
½ cup tomato sauce or salsa
Salt & pepper, to taste
10 small taco shells (flour or corn, slightly warmed)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
1 cup lettuce, shredded
½ cup diced tomatoes
½ cup red onion, diced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional Toppings:
Sour cream
Jalapeños
Guacamole
Hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with foil.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in taco seasoning, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Fill each taco shell with meat mixture, sprinkle generously with cheese, and place standing side by side in the baking dish.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and tacos are lightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and top with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
- Add sour cream, guacamole, or hot sauce if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Warming taco shells beforehand prevents cracking and helps them crisp better.
You can prep the meat filling in advance and assemble right before baking.
Feel free to swap in vegetarian crumbles for a meatless version.