introduction
This Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos recipe makes hot, crunchy tacos with melty cheese and simple toppings. It cooks fast and feeds a small family. If you like tacos and easy dinners, this is a good choice. You can also read more about why tacos are so loved here: why we love tacos.
why make this recipe
This recipe is quick, tasty, and easy. You get the flavor of a taco with less fuss. Baking the tacos melts the cheese evenly and keeps the shells crisp. It is great for weeknights and small gatherings. You can change the toppings to match what you have on hand.
how to make Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos
Follow simple steps to build and bake the tacos. For a tip on varying taco fillings, check this guide to chicken tacos: chicken taco ideas.
Ingredients :
1 lb ground beef, 1 small onion, finely diced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix), ⅔ cup tomato sauce or salsa, Salt & pepper to taste, 8 hard taco shells, 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend), 1 cup shredded lettuce, ½ cup diced tomatoes, ¼ cup diced red onion, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional), Sour cream (optional), Guacamole (optional), Jalapeño slices (optional), Hot sauce (optional)
Directions :
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange taco shells upright in a baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned; drain fat. Add garlic and taco seasoning; stir for 1 minute. Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spoon beef mixture into taco shells and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and shells are crispy.
- Top with lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro; serve with sour cream or guacamole.

how to serve Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos
Serve hot from the oven. Place tacos on a plate and add sour cream, guacamole, jalapeño slices, or hot sauce on the side. Let guests add toppings themselves. A simple side salad, rice, or chips work well with these tacos.
how to store Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos
Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep shells and toppings separate so shells stay crisp. Reheat filling on the stove or microwave, then refill shells and bake a few minutes to melt cheese.
tips to make Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos
- Cook the beef well and drain fat so tacos are not greasy.
- Use warm tomato sauce or salsa so the filling stays hot in the shells.
- Do not overfill shells to keep them from breaking.
- For a different breakfast or day twist, see these breakfast taco ideas: breakfast taco ideas.
- Use a mix of cheeses for better melt and flavor.
variation (if any)
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or cooked shredded chicken.
- Use soft tortillas and fold them, then bake for a soft baked taco.
- Add beans, corn, or peppers to the beef mix for more texture and flavor.
- Make vegetarian tacos with seasoned black beans or lentils instead of meat.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: You can make the beef filling ahead and store it in the fridge. Bake shells just before serving so they stay crisp.
Q: Can I freeze the filling?
A: Yes. Freeze the cooked filling in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Q: What cheese works best?
A: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend melt well and taste great.
Q: Can I use soft tortillas?
A: Yes. Warm and fold them, then bake until the cheese melts. Soft baked tacos are tasty too.
Q: How do I keep shells from breaking?
A: Avoid overfilling and place shells upright and stable in the baking dish.
Conclusion
For a reliable, cheesy baked taco you can make fast, see this detailed Cheesy Baked Tacos Recipe (20 Minutes) for more tips and timing: Cheesy Baked Tacos Recipe (20 Minutes).
Print
Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None specified
Description
Delicious oven-baked tacos filled with ground beef, cheese, and fresh toppings, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
- ⅔ cup tomato sauce or salsa
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 8 hard taco shells
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Guacamole (optional)
- Jalapeño slices (optional)
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange taco shells upright in a baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned; drain fat.
- Add garlic and taco seasoning; stir for 1 minute.
- Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spoon beef mixture into taco shells and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and shells are crispy.
- Top with lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro; serve with sour cream or guacamole.
Notes
For best results, cook the beef well and drain fat to reduce greasiness. Use warm tomato sauce or salsa to keep the filling hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: tacos, cheesy tacos, baked tacos, easy dinner, Mexican food