Classic Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos
These oven-baked cheesy tacos are a family-friendly weeknight meal, featuring seasoned ground beef and melted cheese in crispy taco shells, ready in under 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Large Skillet
- Spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 lean
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 12-14 hard taco shells
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack or Mexican blend cheese
Optional Toppings
- shredded lettuce
- diced tomatoes
- sour cream
- salsa
- chopped cilantro
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart until no pink remains, then drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then simmer for 5-7 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the mixture thickens.
Assembly & Baking
- Generously fill each hard taco shell with the seasoned ground beef, then sprinkle a good amount of shredded cheese over the beef.
- Arrange the filled tacos snugly on the prepared baking sheet, leaning them against each other to help them stand upright.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the taco shells are crispy and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Serving
- Remove the tacos from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite optional toppings.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can toast the taco shells lightly before filling. Be careful not to overfill the shells to prevent them from breaking. Keep an eye on the tacos during baking to avoid burning the cheese or shells.