Name: Cheesy Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix); ½ cup tomato sauce or salsa; Salt & pepper, to taste; 10 small taco shells (flour or corn, slightly warmed); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend); 1 cup lettuce, shredded; ½ cup diced tomatoes; ½ cup red onion, diced; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Optional Toppings: Sour cream, Jalapeños, Guacamole, Hot sauce

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Introduction

Cheesy Tacos are a delicious and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Loaded with savory seasoned meat and melted cheese, they bring comforting flavors with a fresh topping finish.

The image shows a close-up view of six hard shell tacos lined up in a baking tray. Each taco has a golden yellow crispy shell filled with a bottom layer of cooked ground beef, topped with melted orange cheddar cheese. Above the cheese, there is a layer of shredded green lettuce, then finely chopped white onions, small diced red tomatoes, and some purple onions scattered on top with bits of fresh green cilantro. The tray is sitting on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
½ cup tomato sauce or salsa
Salt & pepper, to taste
10 small taco shells (flour or corn, slightly warmed)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
1 cup lettuce, shredded
½ cup diced tomatoes
½ cup red onion, diced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional Toppings: Sour cream, Jalapeños, Guacamole, Hot sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with foil.
Step 2: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant and softened.
Step 3: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Stir in taco seasoning, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes until flavors meld.
Step 4: Fill each warmed taco shell with the meat mixture, then sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. Place the tacos standing side by side in the prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the taco shells are lightly crispy.
Step 6: Remove from oven and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onions, and fresh cilantro. Add sour cream, guacamole, or hot sauce if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Make your own taco seasoning to control salt and spice levels.
Try adding black beans or corn to the meat mixture for extra texture and flavor.
Use flour shells for a softer taco or corn shells for a crunchier bite.
Customize toppings to suit your taste with avocado slices, pickled jalapeños, or fresh lime juice.

Storage

Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to keep the shells crispy, or microwave briefly if in a hurry. Add fresh toppings after reheating for the best flavor.

How to Serve

A close-up view of six crispy tacos lined up side by side in a baking tray, each taco with three visible layers: the bottom golden brown crispy shell, a middle layer of rich, browned ground beef, and a top layer of melted yellow and white cheese. On top of the cheese, there is a fresh mix of small chopped green lettuce, red diced tomatoes, and white and purple onion pieces scattered evenly. The tacos are arranged in a row with the open side facing slightly to the left, all resting on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake the tacos just before serving for the best texture.

What can I use if I don’t have taco shells?

If taco shells aren’t available, you can use soft tortillas or even lettuce leaves as a low-carb alternative.