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Cheesy Oven-Baked Tacos

Cheesy Oven-Baked Tacos

These cheesy oven-baked tacos are loaded with seasoned beef, melty cheese, and all your favorite toppings for a fast, family-friendly dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 10 tacos
Course: Dinner, Tacos
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Taco Filling
  • 1 lb ground beef (90/10)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 oz taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
  • 1/3 cup water
Shells & Cheese
  • 10 hard taco shells
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup refried beans optional but recommended
Toppings
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/4 cup sour cream

Equipment

  • Baking Dish
  • Skillet

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Arrange the hard taco shells upright in a baking dish so they stand snugly together.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and no longer pink.
  3. Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the onion is softened and fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and pour in the water. Stir to combine, then simmer for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
  5. Spread a thin layer of refried beans inside each taco shell, if using. Spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly into the shells.
  6. Top each taco with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, dividing it evenly among the shells.
  7. Bake the tacos for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the shells are crisp.
  8. Remove from the oven and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sour cream. Serve immediately.

Notes

Customize these cheesy oven-baked tacos with your favorite toppings like sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or a drizzle of hot sauce. They’re perfect for parties and taco bars!