Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos
These oven-baked cheesy tacos offer a quick and delicious twist on taco night with crispy shells and melty cheese.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef Use an 80/20 blend for flavor and juiciness.
- 1–2 tablespoons taco seasoning Adjust to taste.
Shells and Filling
- 8–10 pieces taco shells Choose sturdy, oven-safe shells.
- 1.5–2 cups shredded cheese Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend.
- 1 cup diced bell peppers For added freshness.
- 0.5 cup chopped onions For added flavor.
Serving Options
- to taste shredded lettuce For topping.
- to taste sour cream For topping.
- to taste salsa For topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a rack in the middle position.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until no pink remains.
- Stir in taco seasoning and allow the spices to bloom for about a minute.
- Arrange taco shells upright in a shallow baking dish.
- Fill each shell with seasoned beef, followed by diced bell peppers and chopped onions.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over each filled shell.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes until the cheese melts and shells are crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let tacos rest briefly. Top with shredded lettuce, sour cream, and salsa.
Notes
Use slightly thicker taco shells for best results. Avoid overfilling the tacos to prevent sogginess. Store leftovers properly in an airtight container.