Cheesy Tacos Recipe
These Cheesy Tacos feature a savory ground beef filling seasoned with classic taco spices, topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh vegetables. Perfectly baked to crispy perfection, they make a delicious and easy meal that’s great for weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Author: Nethan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 tacos 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Meat Mixture
- 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
Taco Assembly
- 10 small taco shells (flour or corn, slightly warmed)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
Toppings
- 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
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with foil to prepare for baking the tacos.
- Cook the meat mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato sauce or salsa, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Assemble the tacos: Fill each warmed taco shell with the prepared meat mixture. Sprinkle each generously with shredded cheddar cheese. Arrange the filled tacos standing side by side in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the tacos: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tacos become lightly crispy.
- Add toppings and serve: Remove the tacos from the oven. Top each taco with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro. Optionally add sour cream, jalapeños, guacamole, or hot sauce according to your preference. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Warm the taco shells slightly before assembly to avoid cracking during baking.
- For extra crispiness, use corn taco shells.
- Feel free to customize toppings to your taste; avocado slices or pickled jalapeños work well.
- If you prefer spicier tacos, add hot sauce before baking or as a topping.
Keywords: Cheesy Tacos, Ground Beef Tacos, Baked Tacos, Easy Taco Recipe, Mexican Dinner