Oven Baked Tacos: Crispy, Cheesy, and Crowd-Pleasing 🌮🔥
If you’re looking to elevate your taco night, Oven Baked Tacos are the answer! These tacos combine crispy shells, a savory filling, and gooey melted cheese for a dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 can refried beans (15 oz)
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 12 taco shells (hard or soft, baked for crispness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Taco Shells
Homemade Shells:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- For soft tortillas, lightly spray both sides with cooking spray, drape over the bars of the oven rack, and bake for 7–10 minutes until crispy.
- If using store-bought hard taco shells, arrange them upright in a casserole dish.
2️⃣ Cook the Filling
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, refried beans, and ¾ of the can of tomato sauce. Simmer on low heat until well combined. Adjust with more tomato sauce if needed, but keep the mixture thick.
3️⃣ Assemble the Tacos
- Arrange taco shells in a greased casserole dish, standing upright.
- Spoon the beef and bean filling evenly into the shells.
- Top each taco with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
4️⃣ Bake the Tacos
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve Your Tacos
Remove from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Fresh salsa
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
- Guacamole or avocado slices
Pro Tips for Success
- Keep Shells Crisp: Don’t overfill tacos with wet ingredients like tomato sauce or salsa before baking. Serve these on the side instead.
- Mix It Up: Try swapping ground beef for shredded chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based crumbles for variety.
- Make It a Meal: Pair with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or chips and queso for a complete feast.
Why You’ll Love These Tacos
Oven Baked Tacos are all about convenience and flavor. They’re easy to assemble, baked to crispy perfection, and customizable for everyone at the table. Whether it’s for Taco Tuesday, a potluck, or a family dinner, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Enjoy the ultimate taco experience! 🌮✨