Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos (Crispy & Loaded) You’ll Love
These oven-baked cheesy tacos are crispy, flavorful, and loaded with seasoned ground beef and melty cheese—no frying required. They’re easy to make, customizable with your favorite toppings, and perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or casual gatherings. Crunchy shells, savory filling, and fresh toppings make every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef
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1 small onion, finely diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
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⅔ cup tomato sauce or salsa
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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8 hard taco shells
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2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
Fresh Toppings (Optional but Recommended)
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1 cup shredded lettuce
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½ cup diced tomatoes
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¼ cup diced red onion
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2 tbsp chopped cilantro
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Sour cream
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Guacamole
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Jalapeño slices
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Hot sauce
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange taco shells upright in a baking dish. -
Cook the Beef Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add garlic and taco seasoning; cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Assemble the Tacos
Spoon the seasoned beef evenly into taco shells. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. -
Bake
Bake for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the shells are crisp and golden. -
Add Toppings & Serve
Remove from the oven and top with lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Serve warm with sour cream, guacamole, or hot sauce.
Notes
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Place taco shells close together so they stay upright while baking.
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Add jalapeños before baking for a baked-in spicy kick.
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For extra crispiness, warm empty taco shells in the oven for 3 minutes before filling.
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These tacos reheat well—warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
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Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.