Description
These Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos combine seasoned ground beef with melted Mexican cheese blend on warm corn tortillas, baked until crisp and topped with fresh diced tomatoes and cilantro for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
Tacos
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (divided into 1 1/2 cups and 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the tacos.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef until it is fully browned. Drain off any excess grease to keep the tacos from being too oily.
- Season Beef: Stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of water. Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop flavor.
- Warm Tortillas: Heat the 8 small corn tortillas for 30 seconds to make them flexible and easier to fold without breaking.
- Assemble Tacos: Divide the seasoned ground beef evenly among the warmed tortillas. Then add 1 1/2 cups of shredded Mexican cheese blend inside each taco.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Stand the filled tacos upright in a baking dish to keep their shape during baking.
- Add Topping Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the arranged tacos.
- Bake Tacos: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes until the tortillas are crisp and the cheese has melted beautifully.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Once baked, top the tacos with 1/2 cup diced tomatoes and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro to add freshness and color before serving.
Notes
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when assembling the tacos.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
- To keep tortillas soft instead of crisp, reduce baking time or cover loosely with foil.
- Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for added flavor.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
