Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos: 5 Reasons to Love This Recipe

Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos

Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a family dinner or taco night. These tacos are crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and packed with savory goodness. They bring the delicious flavors of traditional tacos without the mess of frying, making them a healthier choice for your dining table. With a blend of spices and fresh toppings, they will quickly become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos

This cheesy baked taco recipe offers numerous reasons to fall in love with it. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Second, it’s a healthier alternative to fried tacos, allowing you to enjoy your favorite flavors without unnecessary calories. Third, these oven-baked tacos with cheese are customizable, so everyone can choose their own toppings, catering to picky eaters in your family. Plus, they are perfect for entertaining, as you can easily prepare a large batch for a crowd. Lastly, they are gluten-free if you opt for corn tortillas, making them suitable for various diets.

Ingredients for Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos

Gather these items:

  • 12 soft taco-sized flour tortillas (or corn tortillas if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the tortillas)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian option)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Sour cream
  • Salsa or hot sauce
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Shredded cheese (additional)

How to Make Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos Step-by-Step

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush both sides of the tortillas with olive oil. Fold them in half and arrange upright in a muffin tin or baking dish.
  2. Step 2: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese inside each taco shell.
  3. Step 3: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Step 4: While the taco shells bake, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Once taco shells are done, let them cool for a minute. Fill each taco with the cooked filling and top with your favorite toppings.
  6. Step 6: Serve the tacos immediately while hot and crispy, topped with extra cheese and salsa.
Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos: 5 Reasons to Love This Recipe - Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos

Keep these in mind:

  • For a vegetarian option, use black beans or lentils instead of meat.
  • Feel free to customize toppings based on your preference.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh lime juice to the filling.

Best Ways to Serve Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos

These tacos are best served hot and fresh from the oven. Pair them with sides like Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal. You can also create a taco bar where everyone can customize their baked cheesy tacos with different toppings, making it a fun and interactive dining experience.

How to Store and Reheat Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos

If you have leftovers, allow the tacos to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This method keeps the shells crispy, ensuring you enjoy that delightful crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos

What’s the secret to perfect Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos?

The secret lies in the cheese! Use a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese inside the taco shells before baking. This creates a delicious cheesy crust that enhances the flavor and texture of the taco.

Can I make Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the taco filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the tacos just before baking for a quick meal.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos?

To avoid soggy shells, ensure you bake them until they are golden brown and crispy. Also, don’t overfill the tacos with filling, as this can make them difficult to handle.

Variations of Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos You Can Try

There are many delicious variations of oven baked cheesy tacos to explore. Try adding different proteins like shredded chicken or vegetarian options such as roasted vegetables. You can also experiment with various cheeses for a unique flavor profile. For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños to the taco filling or top your tacos with spicy salsa.

Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos: 5 Reasons to Love This Recipe - Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection or try making spaghetti with garlic and oil for a quick meal. If you’re interested in healthy options, consider our veggie burgers with avocado green harissa.

For more information on the nutritional benefits of tacos, you can visit Healthline.

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Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos: 5 Reasons to Love This Recipe

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These Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos are crispy, cheesy, and filled with seasoned meat and your favorite toppings. Perfect for a fun family dinner or taco night.

  • Author: Robert
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 soft taco-sized flour tortillas (or corn tortillas if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the tortillas)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian option)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Sour cream
  • Salsa or hot sauce
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Shredded cheese (additional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush both sides of the tortillas with olive oil. Fold them in half and arrange upright in a muffin tin or baking dish.
  2. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese inside each taco shell.
  3. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  4. While the taco shells bake, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Once taco shells are done, let them cool for a minute. Fill each taco with the cooked filling and top with your favorite toppings.
  6. Serve the tacos immediately while hot and crispy, topped with extra cheese and salsa.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian option, use black beans or lentils instead of meat.
  • Feel free to customize toppings based on your preference.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tacos
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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Hi! I’m Margaret!

A passionate home cook and food lover who loves nothing more than sharing my favourite recipes with the world.

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