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These baked tacos turn a simple weeknight dinner into a crowd-pleasing meal with crispy shells and flavorful beef filling topped with melted cheese. They are perfect for when you want something quick and satisfying that feels a little special without a lot of fuss.
I first made these for a casual family dinner and found everyone went back for seconds. The crispy shells with the juicy seasoned beef are just addictive.
Ingredients
- Hard stand and stuff taco shells: these are wide hard corn taco shells with flat bottoms ensuring they stand upright for even baking
- Olive oil: adds a subtle richness and helps caramelize the onions and beef
- Ground beef 85 percent lean: provides just the right juiciness and flavor balance without excess grease
- Diced yellow onion: builds a savory base and adds a mild sweetness when cooked
- Salt: enhances all the flavors pulling everything together naturally
- Black pepper: adds subtle heat and depth
- Tomato sauce: brings moisture and a slight tang making the filling juicy but not soggy
- Taco seasoning packet: combines traditional Mexican spices making the flavor authentic and bold
- Shredded cheddar-jack cheese: melts smoothly providing creamy texture and sharpness
- Finely chopped fresh cilantro optional garnish: adds a bright herbal note to finish the dish
Instructions
- Searing the Beef and Onions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat then add the diced onions and ground beef along with salt and pepper. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes breaking up the meat frequently until browned and no pink remains. This step develops the rich base flavor and perfect texture. Drain excess fat carefully to avoid greasiness.
- Simmering the Taco Filling:
- Add the tomato sauce and taco seasoning to the cooked meat. Reduce heat slightly and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes allowing the beef to absorb the sauce’s flavors without drying out. Watch closely as too much moisture can cause soggy taco shells later.
- Preparing the Taco Shells:
- Position the hard taco shells standing upright inside a 9 by 13 baking dish leaving space so they crisp evenly in the oven preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Filling and Topping the Tacos:
- Divide the taco filling evenly by spooning about one third to one half cup into each shell. Sprinkle shredded cheddar-jack cheese generously over the top making sure each taco has a good amount to melt during baking.
- Baking the Tacos:
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and the taco shells have crisped fully.
- Finishing Touches:
- Carefully remove the tacos from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro if using. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
I find the taco seasoning really ties this dish together and makes a huge difference in the flavor. There was one memorable family game night when these baked tacos saved the evening—they were so easy to prepare and everyone loved the crispy cheesy topping.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover taco filling separately from the shells to keep them from getting soggy. The filling keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The baked tacos themselves are best eaten fresh but can be reheated for a few minutes in a warm oven to restore crispiness.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey or shredded chicken work great in place of ground beef for a lighter option. Use mild or spicy taco seasoning packets to adjust the heat level based on your preference. Try pepper jack or Monterey jack cheese if you want a creamier melted topping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these baked tacos alongside a fresh crunchy slaw or a simple green salad for balance. Add avocado slices or guacamole for creamy contrast. A side of black beans or Mexican rice pairs perfectly making a filling meal.
These baked tacos are perfect for quick weeknight dinners and always impress with their crispy shells and rich filling.
FAQs about Recipes
- → What type of taco shells work best?
Wide hard corn taco shells with flat bottoms are ideal, as they stand upright in a baking dish and crisp evenly when baked.
- → How should the ground beef be cooked?
Cook ground beef with diced yellow onions over medium-high heat until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess grease before adding sauces.
- → What prevents the taco shells from getting soggy?
Ensuring the meat filling is thick and not too wet before filling the shells helps maintain their crispness during baking.
- → What cheese is recommended for topping?
A shredded blend of cheddar and jack cheese provides a flavorful, melty topping that complements the seasoned beef.
- → Can fresh herbs be added as a garnish?
Yes, finely chopped fresh cilantro adds a bright, fresh flavor when sprinkled over the baked tacos just before serving.
- → What baking temperature and time are suggested?
Bake the filled tacos at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese melts and the shells become crispy.