Oven Baked Tacos: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Taco Night

Oven baked tacos are a delightful twist on a classic favorite that brings a burst of flavor and convenience to your dinner table. Imagine the satisfying crunch of a perfectly baked taco shell, filled to the brim with your favorite ingredients, all melted together in the oven for a deliciously cohesive bite. This recipe not only simplifies the taco-making process but also allows for a fun, interactive meal that everyone can enjoy.

Originating from Mexican cuisine, tacos have evolved over the years, becoming a beloved dish in households around the world. The beauty of oven baked tacos lies in their versatility; you can customize them to suit any palate, whether you prefer spicy, savory, or even vegetarian options. People love this dish for its incredible taste and texture, as well as the ease of preparation. With just a few simple steps, you can create a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. So, let’s dive into this delicious recipe and discover how to make your own oven baked tacos!

Ingredients:

• 12 taco shells
• 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning blend)
• 1 cup water
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 1 cup salsa
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• Jalapeños (optional, for serving)

Preparing the Filling

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
3. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat mixture and stir to combine. Pour in the cup of water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Stir in the black beans and corn, mixing well to combine all the ingredients. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Preparing the Taco Shells

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your tacos are perfectly crispy and warm when they come out of the oven.
2. While the oven is heating, arrange the taco shells in a baking dish. If you have a taco holder, that works great too! Make sure they are standing upright to hold the filling.

Assembling the Tacos

1. Once the filling is ready, it’s time to assemble the tacos! Start by spooning the meat mixture into each taco shell, filling them generously but not overstuffing.
2. After filling the shells, pour a spoonful of salsa over the top of each taco. This adds a nice layer of flavor and moisture.
3. Now, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the top of each taco. I like to use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a delicious melty topping.

Baking the Tacos

1. Once all the tacos are assembled and topped with cheese, place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the taco shells are crispy. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn!
3. When they are done, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the tacos cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serving the Tacos

1. To serve, place the baked tacos on a large platter. You can garnish them with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.
2. If you like a little heat, add some sliced jalapeños on the side for those who want to spice things up!
3. Don’t forget the sour cream! Serve it on the side for dipping or dolloping on top of the tacos.
4. Enjoy your delicious oven-baked tacos with your favorite sides, like Mexican rice or a fresh salad!

Tips for Customization

1. If you want to make these tacos vegetarian, you can substitute the ground meat with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers, or use lentils for a hearty filling.
2. For a spicier kick, consider adding diced green chilies to the

   Conclusion:

   In summary, these oven baked tacos are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their taco night! The combination of crispy shells, savory fillings, and melted cheese creates a delightful experience that is sure to please both family and friends. Plus, the ease of preparation means you can whip them up in no time, making them perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. For serving suggestions, consider topping your oven baked tacos with fresh ingredients like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, creamy avocado, or zesty sour cream. You can also experiment with variations by using different proteins such as shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even a vegetarian option with black beans and quinoa. The possibilities are endless, and you can customize each taco to suit your taste! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own. Once you’ve tasted the deliciousness of these oven baked tacos, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s spread the taco love together! Print
   

   Oven Baked Tacos: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Taco Night

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   • Author: Dottie
   • Total Time: 45 minutes
   • Yield: 12 tacos 1x

   Print Recipe

   Pin Recipe

   Description

   These oven-baked tacos are a crowd-pleasing dish filled with a savory blend of ground beef (or turkey), black beans, and corn, all topped with melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, they are easy to customize and serve with your favorite toppings. Enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 12 taco shells
   • 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
   • 1 small onion, finely chopped
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1 packet taco seasoning
   • 1 cup water
   • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
   • 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
   • 1 cup salsa
   • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
   • 1 cup diced tomatoes
   • 1 cup shredded lettuce
   • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
   • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
   • Jalapeños (optional)

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   Instructions

   1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
   2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
   3. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat mixture and stir to combine. Pour in the cup of water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
   4. Stir in the black beans and corn, mixing well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
   5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   6. Arrange the taco shells in a baking dish, standing upright to hold the filling.
   7. Spoon the meat mixture into each taco shell, filling them generously but not overstuffing.
   8. Pour a spoonful of salsa over the top of each taco.
   9. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the top of each taco.
   10. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
   11. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the taco shells are crispy.
   12. Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and let the tacos cool for a few minutes before serving.
   13. Place the baked tacos on a large platter. Garnish with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and chopped cilantro.
   14. Add sliced jalapeños on the side for those who want to spice things up.
   15. Serve sour cream on the side for dipping or dolloping on top of the tacos.
   16. Enjoy your delicious oven-baked tacos with your favorite sides, like Mexican rice or a fresh salad!

   Notes

   • For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers, or use lentils for a hearty filling.
   • For a spicier kick, consider adding diced green chilies to the filling.

   • Prep Time: 15 minutes
   • Cook Time: 30 minutes