Easy Oven-Baked Tacos Recipe

Taco night just got easier and tastier! These oven-baked tacos are perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or preparing a quick yet satisfying meal for your family. With their perfectly crispy shells and flavorful filling, they’ll become your go-to dish for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love Oven-Baked Tacos

• Crisp, Golden Shells: Baking ensures evenly toasted tacos with just the right crunch.
• Versatile Fillings: Mix and match ingredients to suit your preferences.
• Family-Friendly: Great for kids and adults alike, with endless topping options.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Filling:

• 1 pound of lean ground beef or ground chicken as a lighter alternative
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup tomato puree or canned diced tomatoes, blended
• 1 cup cooked black beans (optional, for extra protein)

For Assembly:

• 12 taco shells (stand-and-stuff shells work best)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ cup diced fresh tomatoes
• ½ cup shredded lettuce
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• ½ cup sour cream (optional)
• ½ cup salsa or hot sauce of choice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully browned, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Let the spices toast for 1 minute to enhance their flavor.
5. Add the tomato puree and mix until the filling is coated in the sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, then fold in the cooked black beans for added texture.

2. Assemble the Tacos

1. Arrange the taco shells in a baking dish, standing them upright.
2. Fill each shell about halfway with the prepared taco filling.
3. Top the filling with a generous layer of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.

3. Bake to Perfection

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the shells are lightly golden.

4. Add Fresh Toppings

1. Once the tacos are baked, carefully remove them from the oven. Let them cool slightly.
2. Add your favorite toppings, like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream or salsa.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve immediately while the tacos are warm and crisp. Pair them with a side of fresh guacamole or a bowl of our Stuffed Pepper Soup for a complete meal.

Easy Oven-Baked Tacos Recipe

Recipe by Chef Walter

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: MainCuisine: Tex-MexDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef or ground chicken

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 teaspoons chili powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup tomato puree or canned diced tomatoes, blended

• 1 cup cooked black beans (optional)

• 12 taco shells (stand-and-stuff style recommended)

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

• ½ cup diced fresh tomatoes

• ½ cup shredded lettuce

• ¼ cup chopped green onions

• ½ cup sour cream (optional)

• ½ cup salsa or hot sauce of choice

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully browned, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
• Add the onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Let the spices toast for 1 minute to enhance their flavor.
• Add the tomato puree and mix until the filling is coated in the sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes, then fold in the cooked black beans if using.
• Arrange taco shells in a baking dish, standing them upright.
• Fill each shell about halfway with the prepared taco filling.
• Top each taco with a generous layer of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the shells are lightly golden.
• 10. Carefully remove the tacos from the oven and let cool slightly before adding toppings.
• 11. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and green onions. Serve with sour cream and salsa on the side.

Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Tacos

1. Prevent Sogginess: To keep taco shells crunchy, lightly pre-bake them in the oven for 3 minutes before adding the filling.
2. Cheese Selection: Blend cheeses for a more flavorful, gooey topping. Add spicy pepper jack for extra heat!
3. Make Ahead: Prepare the taco filling in advance and refrigerate. Assemble and bake just before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or lentils.
• Chicken Tacos: Use shredded rotisserie chicken seasoned with taco spices.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the filling or use a spicy taco sauce.

Nutritional Info (Per Taco):

• Calories: ~210
• Protein: ~13g
• Carbs: ~17g
• Fat: ~10g

More Recipes to Try

Looking for something delicious to serve alongside your tacos? Check out these ideas:

• Juicy Golden Turkey Wings: A crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
• Stuffed Pepper Soup: Warm, hearty, and packed with flavor.

Did You Know?

The concept of the taco has a fascinating history! Tacos date back centuries to the Aztec civilization, where corn tortillas were used to wrap flavorful fillings (source: Wikipedia). Today, tacos are one of the most popular dishes in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.

Why Tacos Are a Global Favorite

CNN recently listed tacos as one of the world’s most loved comfort foods (CNN), and it’s easy to see why. Their versatility and bold flavors make them a go-to for casual dinners and celebrations alike.

Share Your Creations on Instagram!

Taco night is always better when shared! Post a photo of your oven-baked tacos and tag us on Instagram at @FitoRecipes with the hashtag #OvenBakedTacos. Chef Walter himself might even give you a shout-out!

A Final Note from Chef Walter

“Oven-baked tacos are the perfect mix of crispy, cheesy, and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a party or whipping up a weeknight dinner, this recipe will never let you down. Have fun with your toppings, and make it your own!