Description
Savor the crispy shells and gooey cheese! Our Cheesy Oven-Baked Tacos feature rich 80/20 ground beef simmered in authentic seasoning, then baked until golden.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1/2 cup Diced yellow onion
- 1 packet (1 oz) Taco Seasoning Mix
- 3/4 cup Water
- 12 Hard taco shells (flat-bottom preferred)
- 2 cups Shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion; cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened, then drain off any excess grease.
- Step 2: Stir the taco seasoning mix and 3/4 cup water into the cooked beef. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has mostly absorbed and the mixture is thickened.
- Step 3: Arrange the 12 hard taco shells upright in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Carefully spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly into each taco shell, filling them about two-thirds of the way full.
- Step 4: Generously sprinkle the shredded cheese over the beef filling in each taco shell, allowing some of the cheese to touch the edges of the shell.
- Step 5: Bake the tacos for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and the shells are heated through and lightly crispy. Carefully remove the tacos from the dish and serve immediately.
Notes
- For best texture, store leftover seasoned beef filling separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and use fresh shells when ready to eat.
- If you must reheat assembled leftovers, skip the microwave and pop them into a 300°F oven or air fryer for 5-7 minutes to help crisp up the shell and melt the cheese again.
- Cut the richness of the baked cheese by serving these alongside fresh shredded lettuce, cool sour cream, and a splash of tangy lime juice or salsa verde.
- To ensure the hard shells stand perfectly and don't collapse during baking, arrange them tightly in the dish before spooning in the filling and adding the cheese blanket.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 Tacos
- Calories: 395
- Sodium: 535mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Protein: 1g