OVEN BAKED TACOS

Oven Baked Tacos are always a favorite at dinnertime with the family, or when feeding a crowd at a party. Crisp taco shells are filled with cheese and our favorite seasoned ground beef taco meat and then baked in the shells until the cheese is melted.

This is one of our favorite taco recipes! Baking these shells with meat and cheese helps to keep everything together – which means more yummy food in the mouth and less on the lap! Add your favorite toppings and serve!

The difference between these baked tacos and typical tacos is that the meat and a bit of cheese is added to the shells and baked for a few minutes.

Not only do they look so yummy packed together and standing upright in a casserole pan; they are easy to prepare, and even easier to grab and enjoy. You can also make these with pork or chicken. Just three simple steps to make this delicious crowd pleaser:

1. Brown the ground beef and onion. Stir in taco seasoning, or use Homemade Taco Seasoning, and diced tomatoes.
2. Stack the taco shells side-by-side in a casserole pan and fill with cheese and meat mixture.
3. Top with shredded cheese and bake until the shells are crispy and the cheese is thoroughly melted.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for gatherings and family dinners because it’s easy to assemble, bake, and serve. The combination of crispy shells with flavorful, cheesy filling is always a hit!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Casserole dish
• Microwave (for steaming tortillas)
• Oven
• Baking sheet

Ingredients

• 2 lb ground beef
• 1 can refried beans
• 1 can of tomato sauce
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 oz shredded cheese
• 12 tortillas/taco shells

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start with the taco shells. Buy them in the store or make them yourself. If you make them yourself, you might never go back to purchasing taco shells. All you need is some tortillas and cooking spray. We used small, soft taco tortillas, either flour or corn.

First, steam them by wetting some paper towels and wringing them out well. Layer the tortillas with the wet paper towels on a plate and microwave (we did 6 at a time) for about 30 seconds until steamed. Lightly spray each side with cooking spray and drape each tortilla over two bars of the oven rack. Place a baking sheet below to catch any oil. Bake at 350-375 degrees for 7-10 minutes until they are browning and crispy. Remove them and set aside.

For the filling, you’ll need ground beef (2 pounds), 1 can of refried beans, 1 can of tomato sauce, 1 packet of taco seasoning, shredded cheese, and your favorite taco toppings.

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet. COMPLETELY drain all grease and return to skillet. Over low heat, add refried beans, taco seasoning, and about half to two-thirds of the tomato sauce (you can eye this to ensure the filling isn’t too runny). Blend well and scoop into the tacos (which should be standing in a lightly greased casserole dish). Sprinkle cheese over the top and bake at 375 degrees for about 10 minutes.

Tips for Success

• Start with a thin layer of cheese in the bottom of the shell to create a barrier between the shell and the meat.
• Ensure your meat is cooked until all liquid is evaporated to prevent soggy tacos.
• Fill and bake just before serving, and serve immediately once baked.

Additional Tips and Variations

You can experiment with different meats like pork or chicken. Add a variety of toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, or jalapeños for additional flavor.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Details will vary based on specific brands and types of ingredients used, but generally, these tacos are a good source of protein and calcium.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use soft tortillas? While you can use soft tortillas for regular ground beef tacos, these baked tacos need a crunchy taco shell. Crisp taco shells that stand by themselves are the easiest to use.

Conclusion

These oven-baked tacos are a delicious twist on a classic dish that your family and friends will love. Give them a try, and don’t forget to share your experience and any creative twists you’ve made to the recipe!