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Easy Oven Baked Tacos Recipe

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4.3 from 14 reviews

These Easy Oven Baked Tacos are a quick and delicious way to enjoy a classic Mexican-inspired meal. Ground beef is sautéed with onions and jalapeños, seasoned perfectly, and then baked inside crispy taco shells with melted cheese, making for a flavorful, family-friendly dinner that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or olive oil)
  • 1 small onion, diced (optional)
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, finely minced (optional)
  • 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
  • Taco seasoning: 1 packet or 3 tablespoons homemade seasoning
  • 1 cup water or beef broth
  • 12 taco shells
  • 3 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar cheese)
  • Taco toppings of your choice (e.g., lettuce, tomato, sour cream, salsa, avocado)

Instructions

  1. Sauté onions and jalapeños: Heat the vegetable or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and finely minced jalapeño, if using, and cook until they become slightly soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Cook the ground beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed to reduce fat.
  3. Season and simmer: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef mixture. Pour in 1 cup of water or beef broth, stir well to combine, and let it simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated, thickening the filling. Remove from heat once ready.
  4. Prepare taco shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the 12 taco shells upright next to each other in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish or a foil baking pan to keep them stable during baking.
  5. Assemble tacos: Spoon a little shredded cheese into the bottom of each taco shell. Then fill each shell generously with the seasoned ground beef mixture.
  6. Top with cheese: Add more shredded cheese on top of the beef filling to melt and bind the ingredients while baking.
  7. Bake the tacos: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the taco shells are slightly browned and crisp.
  8. Serve: Remove tacos from the oven carefully. Add your favorite taco toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, or avocado before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
  • Use beef broth instead of water to add extra flavor to the filling.
  • If you prefer spicier tacos, add extra minced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the taco shells and seasoning are labeled gluten-free.
  • Leftover filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for quick meals.

Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/easy-oven-baked-tacos-recipe/