Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos (Printable Version)
Savory beef and cheese baked in crisp taco shells, finished with fresh lettuce and tomato toppings.
# Ingredients Required:
→ Protein
01 -
450 grams ground beef
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
02 -
1 small onion, finely diced
03 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
125 milliliters tomato sauce or salsa
05 -
½ cup diced tomatoes
06 -
¼ cup diced red onion
07 -
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
08 -
1 cup shredded lettuce
09 -
Jalapeño slices (optional)
→ Seasonings
10 -
1 packet taco seasoning or equivalent homemade mix
11 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ Dairy & Cheese
12 -
200 grams shredded cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
13 -
Sour cream (optional)
→ Bakery
14 -
8 hard taco shells
→ Condiments
15 -
Guacamole (optional)
16 -
Hot sauce (optional)
# Guide to Cooking:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Arrange the taco shells upright in a baking dish to maintain shape.
02 -
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with finely diced onion until browned. Drain excess fat. Add minced garlic and taco seasoning, stirring for one minute. Incorporate tomato sauce and simmer for five minutes to meld flavors.
03 -
Distribute the seasoned beef mixture evenly into the prepared taco shells. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over each filled shell.
04 -
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the shells turn crisp and lightly golden.
05 -
Remove tacos from the oven. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, and chopped cilantro. Serve warm with optional sour cream, guacamole, jalapeño slices, and hot sauce on the side.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
Browning the beef thoroughly and draining fat ensures a leaner filling and prevents soggy taco shells.