Cheesy Oven-Baked Tacos are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos, baked to perfection with a cheesy topping that melts beautifully. This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a weeknight meal, allowing everyone to customize their tacos with their favorite toppings!

Ingredients

• 12 taco shells (hard or soft, your preference)
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• 1 cup lettuce (shredded)
• 1 cup tomatoes (diced)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
• 1/4 cup sliced olives (optional)
• 1/4 cup jalapeños (sliced, optional)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making Cheesy Oven-Baked Tacos takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 15-20 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Taco Filling

1. Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Seasoning: Drain excess fat if needed. Add the taco seasoning and water to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

1. Fill Taco Shells: Place the taco shells in a baking dish. Spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly into each taco shell.
2. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the filled taco shells.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the taco shells are lightly crispy.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish and Enjoy: Remove the tacos from the oven and let them cool slightly. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, olives, jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
2. Serve Hot: Serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and the tacos are warm.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Cheesy Oven-Baked Tacos (per taco, based on 12 tacos):

Nutrient	Amount per Taco
Calories	200
Protein	10g
Fat	12g
Carbohydrates	15g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	1g

Tips for Customization

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
• Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for extra heat.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or queso fresco for a milder flavor.
• Toppings Galore: Encourage everyone to customize their tacos with a variety of toppings like guacamole, salsa, or diced avocado.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Conclusion

Cheesy Oven-Baked Tacos are a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the flavors of classic tacos with the gooey goodness of melted cheese. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, these tacos are sure to become a family favorite!