DINNER

Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos (Crispy & Loaded) You’ll Love!

Chef Olivia

December 5, 2025
3 min read

Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos (Crispy & Loaded) You’ll Love!

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Why Make This Recipe

Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos are a fun and tasty way to enjoy a classic dish. They are crispy, loaded with flavor, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends. This recipe is simple to follow and offers a crowd-pleasing twist on traditional tacos. Plus, everyone can customize their tacos with their favorite toppings!

How to Make Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos

Ingredients

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)

Directions

Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the taco shells upright in a baking dish.
Cook Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the minced garlic and taco seasoning, stirring for about 1 minute. Pour in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Assemble Tacos: Spoon the seasoned beef evenly into the taco shells. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each shell.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the taco shells are crisp and golden.
Add Fresh Toppings: Remove the tacos from the oven and top them with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Serve warm with optional sour cream or guacamole.

How to Serve Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos

Serve the tacos hot out of the oven for the best taste. You can place the baking dish in the middle of the table and let everyone build their own tacos with a variety of toppings like sour cream, guacamole, jalapeño slices, and hot sauce. This way, everyone can enjoy their tacos just how they like them!

How to Store Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will be best when eaten within a couple of days. To reheat, you can place them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. The shells may lose some crispiness when reheated, but they will still taste delicious.

Tips to Make Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos

Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat.
You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Get creative with toppings! Add black olives, corn, or diced avocado.
Make sure to arrange the taco shells so they stand upright to hold the filling properly.

Variation

For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mix of black beans and corn. Season them with taco seasoning and prepare as usual.

FAQs

1. Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble the tacos just before baking so they stay crispy.

2. What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
You can make your own taco seasoning by mixing together chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.

3. Can I freeze the assembled tacos?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled tacos before baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. When ready to use, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.