Easy Oven-Baked Tacos
Easy Oven-Baked Tacos are a quick, family-friendly recipe that makes taco night a breeze! Filled with seasoned beef, cheese, and your favorite toppings, these tacos bake up warm, crispy, and delicious. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a crowd, this easy recipe is sure to become a favorite go-to for satisfying Mexican-inspired flavors in just minutes.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Baking dish (9x13 inch works well)
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Aluminum foil (optional for easy cleanup)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 10-12 hard taco shells
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese cheddar or Mexican blend
- Optional Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced olives
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with foil for easier cleanup if desired.
- Step 2: Prepare the Taco Filling
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning and water. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
- Place the taco shells standing up in the baking dish. Spoon a few tablespoons of the beef mixture into each shell, filling them evenly.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the top of the meat in each shell.
- Step 4: Bake the Tacos
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the taco shells are crispy.
- Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve
- Remove the tacos from the oven. Add your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, olives, sour cream, or salsa.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Make It Vegetarian: Use black beans or crumbled tofu instead of ground beef for a vegetarian option.
- Customizable Toppings: Set up a taco bar with a variety of toppings so everyone can customize their own tacos.
- Add a Kick: For a spicy twist, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the beef mixture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispiness.