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Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos

Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos

Crispy oven-baked tacos with seasoned beef and melted cheese, ready in 30 minutes for easy weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 tacos
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 450g, 80/20 blend recommended
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade mix
  • 2/3 cup tomato sauce or salsa
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 hard taco shells
  • 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro optional
  • Sour cream optional, for serving
  • Guacamole optional, for serving
  • Jalapeño slices optional, for serving

Equipment

  • oven
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • large skillet
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Stand taco shells upright in a 9x13 inch baking dish, positioning them close together.
  2. Cook ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium heat for 6 minutes until browned, breaking up meat as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add minced garlic and taco seasoning to the beef. Stir for 1 minute.
  4. Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
  5. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of beef mixture into each taco shell.
  6. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup shredded cheese over each taco.
  7. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until cheese melts and shells turn golden at the edges.
  8. Remove from oven and cool for 2 minutes. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Serve with sour cream or guacamole.

Notes

For spicier tacos, add jalapeño slices before baking. Make beef mixture ahead and store separately. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting.
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