Oven-Baked Tacos Recipe
Oven-Baked Tacos are a fun and convenient twist on traditional tacos, combining the delicious flavors of your favorite taco fillings with a crispy, cheesy baked shell. Perfect for feeding a crowd or for a family dinner, this recipe makes it easy to prepare a taco night that’s both satisfying and simple.
The Appeal of Oven-Baked Tacos
Oven-Baked Tacos offer all the tasty elements of classic tacos but with added convenience. By baking the tacos, you achieve a crispier shell and a melty, cheesy topping without the need for individual frying or grilling. This method also allows for a uniform cook and the opportunity to customize each taco with various fillings and toppings. The result is a deliciously crunchy, cheesy taco that holds all its fillings together beautifully.
Ingredients:
For the Tacos:
- 12 taco shells: You can use store-bought taco shells or make your own from tortillas.
- 1 pound ground beef: Can be substituted with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative.
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (about 1 ounce): For authentic taco flavor. Alternatively, you can use homemade seasoning.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a rich, melty layer.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Offers a creamy texture and complements the cheddar.
Optional Fillings:
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For Serving:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Lime wedges
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the taco seasoning mix and about 2/3 cup of water (or as directed on the seasoning packet). Simmer for 5 minutes, until the mixture is thickened and well combined. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Taco Shells:
- Arrange the taco shells upright in a baking dish. If your shells don’t stand up on their own, you can place them in a muffin tin or use crumpled foil to keep them upright.
- Fill the Taco Shells:
- Spoon the cooked beef mixture evenly into each taco shell. If you’re using additional fillings like black beans, corn, tomatoes, or bell peppers, you can layer them on top of the beef.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the filled taco shells.
- Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the taco shells are crispy. The exact time may vary depending on your oven and taco shell type.
- Prepare Toppings:
- While the tacos are baking, prepare your desired toppings. Chop vegetables, prepare salsa or guacamole, and set out any additional garnishes.
- Serve:
- Remove the tacos from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, sliced jalapeños, avocado or guacamole, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Tips for Success:
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the beef mixture and fillings ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and assemble the tacos just before baking.
- Taco Shell Alternatives: For a healthier option, consider using soft tortillas. Fold them in half and bake them in a taco rack or over the back of a muffin tin to create taco shapes.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the fillings and toppings based on your preferences. Try adding cooked chicken, ground turkey, or vegetarian options like sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
Oven-Baked Tacos are a crowd-pleasing, hassle-free way to enjoy tacos with less mess and more flavor. With crispy shells, melty cheese, and customizable toppings, this recipe transforms taco night into a simple, satisfying meal that everyone will love. Enjoy!
