Description
Oven Baked Tacos are a quick and easy dinner option that delivers crispy taco shells filled with flavorful seasoned meat or plant-based protein, melted cheese, and fresh vibrant toppings. Baked to perfection, this recipe eliminates frying mess while offering a customizable, family-friendly meal perfect for weeknights or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Taco Shells
- Sturdy hard taco shells or mini flour tortillas (for soft tacos)
Filling
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken) or plant-based protein (black beans, lentils)
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (pre-made or homemade)
- 2 tbsp water
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1/2 cup salsa or pico de gallo
Optional Garnishes
- Sour cream
- Avocado slices
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Brown your choice of ground meat or plant-based protein in a skillet over medium heat. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat and stir in the taco seasoning along with 2 tablespoons of water. Let the filling simmer briefly to meld the flavors.
- Arrange Taco Shells on a Baking Sheet: Place taco shells upright on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Fill the Tacos: Spoon the seasoned filling evenly into each shell, being careful not to overfill. Top each taco with chopped onions, peppers, and a generous amount of shredded cheese.
- Bake Until Crispy and Melted: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the tacos for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the shells are crisp and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Remove the tacos from the oven and finish with salsa, avocado slices, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for added flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Don’t Overfill: Use moderate portions to avoid soggy or messy tacos.
- Use Sturdy Shells: Choose taco shells that hold up well in the oven to prevent breakage or spills.
- Cheese Matters: Use cheeses that melt well like Monterey Jack or Mexican blends for the best texture.
- Prep Ahead: Cook the filling in advance and assemble just before baking to save time.
- Keep Toppings Separate: Add fresh garnishes after baking to maintain their texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg