Description
Skip the mess! Our Cheesy Oven-Baked Tacos feature seasoned ground beef packed into sturdy shells, smothered in cheese, and baked until golden.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 fat ratio recommended)
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 12 stand-n-stuff or flat-bottomed corn/flour taco shells
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend
- 1/2 large yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 cup salsa (for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brown the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the liquid has reduced and the meat mixture is thick.
- Step 2: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the 12 taco shells upright, nesting them closely together in tight rows to keep them stabilized.
- Step 3: Spoon approximately 2 to 3 tablespoons of the seasoned beef mixture into the bottom of each taco shell.
- Step 4: Generously sprinkle the shredded cheese blend over the meat inside each taco shell, ensuring a good amount is packed down inside the shell for maximum melt.
- Step 5: Bake the tacos for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and the edges of the taco shells are lightly crisped. Carefully remove the tacos from the pan and serve immediately with salsa and any desired fresh toppings.
Notes
- To maximize crispness and avoid soggy bottoms, drain the ground beef thoroughly before seasoning; even 80/20 beef yields a surprising amount of grease.
- Complement the rich, cheesy filling with cool, crunchy toppings like shredded iceberg lettuce, chopped cilantro, or a drizzle of lime-spiked sour cream.
- For quick reheating, use an air fryer or toaster oven set to 350°F for 3-5 minutes to melt the cheese and re-crisp the shell without drying out the meat.
- Store any leftovers tightly wrapped in foil and refrigerate promptly, but aim to consume within 48 hours as the shells will gradually soften from the moisture of the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 580
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: *(Note: % Daily Value is not standardized for Unsaturated Fat, Trans Fat, Sugars, or Protein on US nutrition labels.)*
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 3g