Introduction
Get ready to indulge in a delightful twist on taco night with these Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos! Perfectly crispy on the outside and filled to the brim with savory flavors, these tacos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Imagine biting into a crunchy shell, bursting with a rich ground beef mixture, layered with creamy refried beans, and topped with melty cheddar cheese. It’s an explosion of flavor, warmth, and comfort that will have your family asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 10 taco shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 taco seasoning packet
- 1 cup water
- 1 can refried beans
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 10 tacos
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, making sure to drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning and water to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken and become fragrant.
- While the meat is cooking, arrange the taco shells upright in a baking dish, creating a fun and organized display.
- Spread a generous layer of refried beans at the bottom of each taco shell, creating a creamy base.
- Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture on top of the refried beans in each taco shell, filling them to the brim.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the meat in each taco shell, inviting that cheesy goodness to melt.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is gloriously melted and the taco shells are perfectly crispy.
- Remove the tacos from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes while you prepare your toppings.
- Top each taco with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced black olives, and a hearty dollop of sour cream for an added creaminess.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve immediately for a crispy, cheesy delight!
Notes or Tips
Feel free to customize your tacos with additional toppings like jalapeños for a spicy kick or avocado slices for added creaminess. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. Preparing the bean layer can easily be made ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights!
Cooking Techniques
While this recipe is straightforward, mastering the browning of the beef is key to unlocking rich flavors. Ensure the skillet is hot before you add the beef; this helps achieve a nice sear. Additionally, keeping the taco shells upright in the baking dish allows for even heating and crisping, so don’t skip this step!
FAQ
Can I make these tacos vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and replace it with a mixture of sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian option.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
Conclusion
These Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos are a fun and hearty meal that brings everyone together around the table. Bursting with flavor and textural delight, they’re perfect for taco night or any casual gathering. Serve them hot, get your family involved in adding their favorite toppings, and savor every cheesy, crispy bite. Enjoy your delightful journey into taco bliss!