Oven baked tacos are a simple, delicious, and efficient way to prepare a hearty meal that everyone will love. This recipe combines ground beef, refried beans, and taco seasoning to create a flavorful filling, topped with melted cheese and baked to perfection. These tacos are perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or a fun twist on traditional taco night. Follow this easy recipe to make oven baked tacos that will become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 can refried beans (16 oz)
- 1/2 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 12 taco shells
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or your favorite)
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, jalapenos, olives
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess fat.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Return the drained ground beef to the skillet.
- Add the packet of taco seasoning mix and follow the instructions on the packet, typically adding a small amount of water and allowing it to simmer with the meat.
- Stir in the refried beans and tomato sauce, mixing well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and heated through.
- Prepare the Taco Shells:
- Stand the taco shells up in a casserole dish or baking dish. This helps to keep them upright and prevents them from tipping over during the filling and baking process.
- Fill the Taco Shells:
- Spoon the ground beef mixture into each taco shell, filling them generously. Try to distribute the filling evenly among all the shells.
- Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the filled taco shells.
- Bake the Tacos:
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the taco shells are slightly crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Carefully remove the casserole dish from the oven.
- Add your favorite toppings to the tacos, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, jalapenos, or olives.
- Serve the tacos immediately while they are hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Oven Baked Tacos:
- Use Quality Ingredients:
- For the best flavor, use high-quality ground beef and fresh toppings. Opt for organic or grass-fed beef if possible.
- Customize Your Filling:
- Feel free to customize the filling to suit your taste. You can add chopped onions, bell peppers, or corn to the ground beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Cheese Variations:
- Experiment with different types of cheese. While cheddar and Mexican blend cheeses are popular choices, you can also try Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a spicy pepper jack cheese for a kick.
- Crispy Shells:
- To achieve extra crispy taco shells, you can pre-bake the empty shells in the oven for a few minutes before filling them. This step helps to ensure they remain crunchy even after being filled and baked.
- Make Ahead:
- The ground beef filling can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to bake, simply fill the taco shells, add cheese, and bake as directed.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Oven baked tacos pair well with a variety of side dishes, such as Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad. Serve with your favorite beverages, like margaritas or cold beer, for a complete meal.
- Leftovers:
- If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place the tacos on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Oven baked tacos are a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. With their crispy shells, savory beef and bean filling, and gooey melted cheese, they are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or any time you want to enjoy the flavors of tacos without the mess. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a family favorite
