Dinner

Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos Recipe

Name: Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 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; Sour cream; Jalapeños; Guacamole; Hot sauce

ByAndria Russo December 2, 2025December 2, 2025

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Introduction

Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos are an easy and delicious twist on traditional tacos, perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering. These tacos are filled with seasoned ground meat, topped with melted cheese, and finished with fresh, colorful toppings.

The image shows a row of golden yellow tacos placed closely side by side on a white tray. Each taco shell is filled with a brown ground meat layer at the bottom, topped with melted white cheese that looks soft and creamy. On top of the cheese, there is a mix of finely chopped green lettuce, small red tomato pieces, and bits of purple onion, adding a fresh and colorful touch. The tacos are slightly tilted, showcasing the layers clearly. The background is a white marbled surface with a soft blurred effect. 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 your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened.
Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks until browned throughout.
Step 4: Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato sauce or salsa, and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 5: Fill each warmed taco shell with the meat mixture, then sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
Step 6: Arrange the filled tacos standing side by side in the prepared baking dish.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the tacos become lightly crispy.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, and chopped cilantro. Add optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños, or hot sauce to taste.

Tips & Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef for a lighter version.
For extra crispy tacos, bake the empty shells for a few minutes before filling.
Try adding black beans or corn to the meat mixture for added texture and flavor.
Top with pickled jalapeños for a tangy kick.

Storage

Store any leftover baked tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness, or microwave briefly, though shells may soften.

How to Serve

A row of golden-yellow crunchy tacos neatly arranged on a silver tray, each taco filled with three main visible layers: a rich, dark brown ground meat base, topped with melted creamy yellow cheese, and finished with fresh green shredded lettuce mixed with small pieces of red diced tomato and finely chopped purple onion, all evenly spread across the top. The tacos’ shells have a slightly rough texture with some darker spots showing they are toasted. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat filling and assemble the tacos in the baking dish ahead of time. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready to serve.