If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, easy to make, and bound to please a crowd, these Cheesy Beef Baked Tacos are calling your name. Imagine crispy taco shells filled with seasoned beef, a generous layer of gooey cheese, and a perfect bake in the oven that gives each bite a crunchy, cheesy bite of heaven. These baked tacos are the ultimate comfort food, ideal for a family dinner or taco night with friends. Trust me, you’re going to want to make these ASAP!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to love about this cheesy taco goodness, and here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Easy to Make: You won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen, but you’ll still end up with a dish that tastes like you did!
- Cheesy Perfection: It’s all about that melty cheese that blankets the taco filling, turning these tacos into a totally irresistible treat.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these tacos are guaranteed to be the star of the show.
- Customizable: You can load them up with your favorite toppings—guacamole, sour cream, salsa, jalapeños—the possibilities are endless.
- Crispy and Delicious: The taco shells get crispy on the outside, while the beef stays tender and juicy inside. It’s the perfect texture combination!
Ingredients
This recipe uses some simple, pantry-staple ingredients, but don’t let that fool you—these tacos pack a ton of flavor! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef: The heart of these tacos. Use lean ground beef for a less greasy filling, but feel free to go with fattier beef for a richer flavor.
- Taco Seasoning: You can use store-bought or homemade seasoning. This adds that signature taco flavor.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is the classic, but feel free to mix it up with some Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for extra flavor.
- Taco Shells: Hard taco shells are perfect for this recipe. They’ll crisp up nicely in the oven and hold all the delicious filling.
- Onion: Chopped onion adds a savory sweetness to the filling.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic for a little extra flavor depth.
- Tomato Sauce: A small amount of tomato sauce to bring everything together.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the beef and veggies.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
It’s time to get cooking! These baked tacos are as easy as 1-2-3.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Season the Beef: Once the beef is cooked, stir in the taco seasoning and tomato sauce. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Assemble the Tacos: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the taco shells in a baking dish, and spoon the beef mixture into each shell. Top generously with shredded cheese.
- Bake the Tacos: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the taco shells are golden and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your cheesy baked tacos hot from the oven with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and fresh cilantro. Enjoy!
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Baked Tacos
Pair these cheesy baked tacos with some sides to round out the meal. Here are a few ideas:
- Mexican Rice: A simple side of seasoned rice is a perfect companion to tacos.
- Refried Beans: Add some creamy refried beans on the side for extra comfort.
- Crisp Salad: A light and fresh salad with a tangy lime vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the tacos.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or roasted corn with a sprinkle of chili powder and lime juice is a classic side for taco night.
- Chips and Salsa: Serve with crunchy tortilla chips and a bowl of fresh salsa for dipping.
Additional Tips
To get the best out of these tacos, here are a few tips:
- Don’t Overstuff the Shells: While it’s tempting to pile on the beef and cheese, it’s important not to overstuff the taco shells. It helps them crisp up better in the oven.
- Mix Up the Cheese: While cheddar is the classic choice, try using a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor. Monterey Jack or even a little bit of queso fresco would be great!
- Customize Your Fillings: Add some sautéed bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the beef mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Add some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture or sprinkle on top of the tacos before serving for a spicy kick.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A1: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works just as well for a lighter version of these tacos. Just make sure to season it well.
Q2: Can I use soft tortillas instead of hard taco shells?
A2: Absolutely! If you prefer soft tacos, just fill the tortillas and wrap them up before baking. You’ll still get that cheesy, melty goodness.
Q3: Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can prep the taco filling and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just assemble the tacos and bake them when you’re ready to serve.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to bring the crispiness back.
Q5: Can I freeze these tacos?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the assembled tacos before baking. Just wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q6: Can I add vegetables to the beef mixture?
A6: Absolutely! Feel free to add sautéed bell peppers, corn, or even black beans to the beef mixture for added flavor and texture.
Q7: How do I make these tacos spicier?
A7: Add some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture, or top the tacos with hot sauce or chili flakes for extra heat.
Q8: Can I use a different kind of cheese?
A8: Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even crumbled queso fresco for a twist.
Q9: Can I make these tacos vegetarian?
A9: Absolutely! Swap out the beef for sautéed vegetables, like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers, or use plant-based protein for a delicious vegetarian option.
Q10: Can I make these tacos gluten-free?
A10: Yes! You can use gluten-free taco shells or tortillas, and the recipe will still be just as delicious.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Beef Baked Tacos are the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and hearty. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or a taco night with friends, they’re sure to be a hit. Plus, they’re easy to make, super flavorful, and totally customizable. Get ready to enjoy a taco experience like no other!
Print
Cheesy Beef Baked Tacos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 tacos 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Extra Cheesy Beef Oven Baked Tacos are the ultimate taco night dish! Ground beef is seasoned to perfection, stuffed in crunchy taco shells, and topped with extra cheese before being baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect for meal prepping or serving a crowd, these cheesy tacos are a hit every time!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup water
- 12 taco shells
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup salsa (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the beef, then stir in the taco seasoning mix and water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the beef is well-coated in the seasoning and the liquid has absorbed.
- Arrange the taco shells in a baking dish, standing up.
- Evenly distribute the seasoned beef mixture between the taco shells.
- Top each taco with a generous amount of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the taco shells are crispy.
- Once baked, remove the tacos from the oven. Optionally, top with salsa, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
- Serve and enjoy your Extra Cheesy Beef Oven Baked Tacos!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add diced tomatoes or jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- These tacos are perfect for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg