Oven-baked tacos are an absolute game-changer in the world of quick and delicious dinners! If you haven’t tried them yet, you’re in for a delightful surprise. This recipe transforms the classic taco into something extraordinary with a crunchy shell, a warm, savory filling, and melted cheese on top.
Perfect for a family meal, game day, or whenever you need a satisfying and easy-to-make dish, these oven-baked tacos are sure to become a favorite.
These oven-baked tacos are not only mouthwateringly delicious but also add a fun twist to taco night. The edges of the taco shells get wonderfully crispy in the oven, which pairs beautifully with the melty cheese and the hearty filling. Give them a try and see why they’re a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Refried beans
- Taco seasoning
- Tomato sauce
- Taco shells
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or your choice)
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking your tacos.
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s thoroughly browned. Be sure to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
- Drain: Once the beef is cooked, drain off the fat completely. This step is crucial for avoiding soggy tacos.
- Mix the Filling: Return the drained beef to the skillet. Stir in the refried beans, taco seasoning, and about half a can of tomato sauce. Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be hearty and flavorful, but not overly wet.
- Prepare the Taco Shells: Take a casserole dish and stand up the taco shells inside. This will hold them upright while you fill them and during baking.
- Fill the Shells: Scoop the beef and bean mixture into each taco shell. Fill them up nicely so each bite is packed with flavor.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the top of each taco. The more cheese, the better!
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges of the taco shells are slightly browned.
- Serve: Serve the tacos hot from the oven. They’re great with traditional taco toppings like sour cream, salsa, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced avocados.
