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Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos (Crispy & Loaded)

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Enjoy crispy taco shells filled with seasoned beef and melted cheese, topped with fresh lettuce and tomatoes.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) 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

  1. Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange taco shells upright in a baking dish.
  2. Cook Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook beef and onion until browned. Drain excess fat. Add garlic and taco seasoning; stir for 1 minute. Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Assemble Tacos: Spoon seasoned beef evenly into taco shells. Sprinkle each generously with shredded cheese.
  4. Bake: Place baking dish in the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and shells are crisp and golden.
  5. Add Fresh Toppings: Remove from oven and top with lettuce, tomato, onion, and cilantro. Serve warm with sour cream or guacamole.

Notes

For a healthier twist, swap beef for ground turkey or a plant-based mince. Use low fat cheese to reduce calories.

  • Author: Chef Rita
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Flexitarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 taco
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg