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Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos

Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos
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Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos combine perfectly seasoned fillings inside crunchy taco shells, topped with bubbling cheese and baked to golden perfection. This easy, flavorful recipe delivers a mess-free, customizable, and kid-friendly meal ideal for taco nights or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale

Taco Shells

  • Sturdy pre-made hard taco shells

Protein and Filling

  • 1 lb ground beef or chicken (or substitute with seasoned black beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles for vegetarian option)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Pinch of salt

Cheese Blend

  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Fresh Vegetables and Toppings (optional)

  • Diced tomatoes
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced jalapeños
  • Avocado slices
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Pickled onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Add finely chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant. Add ground meat or chosen protein, breaking it apart as it cooks. Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, paprika, and salt; stir well to coat. Cook until meat is browned and fully cooked through.
  2. Preheat Your Oven and Arrange Shells: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Stand taco shells upright on a baking sheet to hold their shape and crisp evenly during baking.
  3. Fill the Taco Shells: Spoon the prepared filling generously into each taco shell, filling them to the top. Add any fresh vegetables you prefer for extra texture and freshness.
  4. Top with Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the cheese blend over each taco, ensuring generous coverage to create a golden, bubbly crust.
  5. Bake and Serve: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the shells are crispy and golden. Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving with your favorite garnishes and sides.

Notes

  • Use sturdy taco shells to prevent sogginess when baking.
  • Avoid overfilling shells to keep them intact and crispy.
  • Mix mozzarella with cheddar for the best melt and flavor.
  • Allow tacos to rest for a minute after baking to firm up.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro or herbs for added brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: oven-baked tacos, cheesy tacos, baked tacos, easy taco recipe, family dinner, kid-friendly tacos, gluten free tacos, taco night

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/oven-baked-cheesy-tacos/