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Baked tacos are always a favorite at family dinner time or for feeding a crowd at a party. These crispy taco shells are filled with cheese and our favorite taco meat—seasoned ground beef—then cooked in the shells until the cheese is perfectly melted.
It’s one of our favorite taco recipes! Cooking these shells with meat and cheese helps keep everything together, which means more delicious food in your mouth and less in your lap! Add your favorite toppings and serve!
The difference between these cooked tacos and typical tacos is that the meat and a little cheese are added to the shells and cooked for a few minutes.
Not only do they look delicious packed together and standing upright in a pan, but they’re also easy to prepare and even easier to sear and enjoy. You can also prepare them with pork or chicken. It only takes three simple steps to make this delicious dish everyone will love:
- Brown the ground beef and onion. Add taco seasoning, or use homemade taco seasoning, and diced tomatoes.
- Stack the taco shells side by side in a saucepan and fill with the meat and cheese mixture.
- Cover with shredded cheese and cook until the shells are crispy and the cheese is melted.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These tacos are naturally a little soft on the bottom because of the moisture in the meat. Here are a few tips to keep them as crispy as possible.
- Start with a thin layer of cheese on the bottom to create a barrier between the shell and the meat.
- Make sure the meat is cooked until all the liquid has evaporated.
- Fill and bake just before serving. Once cooked, serve immediately.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Microwave
- Baking tray
- Casserole dish
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of ground beef
- 1 can of refried beans
- 1 can of tomato sauce
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 1 oz grated cheese
- 12 taco shells
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start with taco shells; buy them at the store or make them yourself. If you make them yourself, you might never buy taco shells again. All you need are tortillas and cooking spray. We used small, soft taco tortillas. We used flour, but corn is also excellent.
Want to steam them first? Wet paper towels and wring them out well. Arrange the tortillas with the wet paper towels on a plate and cook them in the microwave (we made 6 at a time). Watch them, it takes about 30 seconds before they are steamed. Then lightly spray each side with cooking spray and drape each tortilla onto two bars of the oven rack. It’s a good idea to put a baking tray underneath to catch the oil from the cooking spray. Bake at 350-375 degrees for 7-10 minutes. You will notice that they will brown and become crispy. Take them out and set them aside!
All you need is ground beef (2 pounds), 1 can of refried beans, 1 can of tomato sauce, 1 package of taco seasoning, grated cheese, and your favorite taco fillings.
Brown ground beef in a large skillet. Drain all the fat completely and return it to the pan. Over low heat, add the refried beans, taco seasoning, and about half or two-thirds of the tomato sauce (you can adjust this as needed; you don’t want the filling to be too runny or your tacos to get soggy on the bottom). Mix well and add the tacos (which should be “standing” in a lightly greased casserole dish). Sprinkle the cheese on top and bake in the oven. I usually bake at 375 degrees for about 10 minutes.
Tips for Success
- Ensure the meat is well-cooked to prevent sogginess.
- For extra crispiness, add a thin layer of cheese to the bottom of the shell before adding the meat.
Additional Tips or Variations
Can I use soft tortillas? Although you can use soft tortillas for regular ground beef tacos, these baked tacos need a crispy taco. I find the crispy taco shells that stand on their own are the easiest to use.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Each serving of these oven-baked tacos provides a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fats, making it a satisfying meal option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can substitute ground beef with pork or chicken if desired.
- How do I prevent the tacos from becoming soggy? Make sure to cook the meat until all the liquid has evaporated and serve immediately after baking.
- Can I prepare the filling in advance? Yes, the filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
These oven-baked tacos are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Easy to prepare and customize, they’re perfect for any occasion. Try the recipe today and don’t forget to share your experience with us in the comments!
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