Oven Baked Tacos
Oven Baked Tacos are a fun and easy twist on classic tacos, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy family meal.
This recipe combines crispy, homemade taco shells with a savory ground beef and refried bean filling, all topped with melted cheese for a satisfying bite.
Whether you make your own shells or use store-bought, these tacos are customizable with your favorite toppings and are ready in no time. It’s a deliciously simple way to elevate taco night!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Crispy Homemade Shells: The option to make your own crispy taco shells adds a fresh, authentic touch that elevates the classic taco experience.
Rich and Flavorful Filling: The combination of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and tomato sauce creates a hearty, well-seasoned filling.
Easy and Convenient: Baking the tacos in the oven makes them easy to prepare for a group while ensuring the cheese melts perfectly over the filling.
Customizable: Everyone can personalize their tacos with their favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s taco night, a game day snack, or a casual family dinner, these oven-baked tacos are sure to be a hit with all ages!
Key Ingredients:
Ground Beef: Provides the savory and meaty base for the taco filling.
Refried Beans: Adds creaminess and richness to the filling.
Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture and a subtle tang to balance the flavors.
Taco Seasoning: Packs the filling with classic Mexican-inspired spices.
Shredded Cheese: Melts to create a gooey, irresistible topping.
Tortillas or Taco Shells: The foundation for assembling and baking these crispy tacos.
Oven Baked Tacos
Ingredients:
2 pounds ground beef
1 can refried beans
1 can tomato sauce
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheese
12 tortillas or taco shells
Instructions:
1. Prep the Taco Shells:
You can either buy taco shells or make your own using tortillas.
Homemade shells are often more flavorful and fun to make!
2. To Make Your Own Shells:
Use small flour or corn tortillas and some cooking spray.
Start by softening the tortillas—dampen a few paper towels, wring out the excess water, and layer the tortillas between them on a plate.
Microwave for about 30 seconds, or until they’re soft and warm.
3. Shape and Bake the Shells:
Lightly spray both sides of each tortilla with cooking spray.
Then drape them over two bars of your oven rack to form taco shapes.
Place a baking tray underneath to catch any drips.
Bake at 350–375°F (175–190°C) for 7–10 minutes until they’re golden and crisp.
Remove and set aside.
4. Make the Filling:
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef.
Drain off all the grease, then return the beef to the skillet over low heat.
Stir in the refried beans, taco seasoning, and about half to two-thirds of the tomato sauce—just enough so the mixture isn’t too runny.
5. Assemble and Bake:
Spoon the meat filling into the prepared taco shells, standing them upright in a lightly greased casserole dish.
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes:
Homemade Taco Shells: Steaming and baking tortillas to make your own crispy taco shells adds a homemade touch and ensures fresh, crunchy results. Flour or corn tortillas work equally well.
Filling Consistency: Adjust the amount of tomato sauce in the filling to ensure it is not too runny, preventing soggy taco shells.
Layering Tacos in a Dish: Use a casserole dish to stand your tacos upright. This keeps them stable while baking and ensures even cooking.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend for added flavor.
Toppings: Add fresh toppings like lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, or salsa after baking for a customizable and refreshing finish.
Preparation Tip: These tacos can be prepped ahead of time. Prepare the filling and shells, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information:
YIELD: 6 SERVING SIZE: 1
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 350 | TOTAL FAT: 15g | SATURATED FAT: 6g | CHOLESTEROL: 50mg | SODIUM: 600mg | CARBOHYDRATES: 25g | FIBER: 3g | SUGAR: 1g | PROTEIN: 20
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option.
Adjust the seasoning to match the meat you choose.
How can I keep the taco shells from getting soggy?
Ensure the filling isn’t too runny by controlling the amount of tomato sauce added.
Also, bake the taco shells until they’re crisp before filling them, and serve immediately after baking.
Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling and taco shells ahead of time.
Store them separately in airtight containers. Assemble and bake the tacos just before serving for the best texture.
What other toppings can I add to the tacos?
You can add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or even pickled onions.
Let everyone customize their tacos for a fun serving experience.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the taco filling separately in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Avoid freezing assembled tacos, as the shells may lose their crispiness when thawed.
How do I make homemade taco shells crispy in the oven?
To make crispy taco shells, lightly spray each side of a tortilla with cooking spray.
Drape them over the bars of your oven rack and bake at 350-375°F for 7-10 minutes.
Place a baking sheet underneath to catch any drips.
How can I prevent the tortillas from tearing while shaping them?
Steam the tortillas before shaping.
Layer them with damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds to soften.
This makes them pliable and less likely to tear.
Can I use hard-shell tacos instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Store-bought hard-shell tacos work well.
However, warming them briefly in the oven before adding the filling will enhance their flavor and texture.
What’s the best way to drain grease from the cooked ground beef?
After browning the ground beef, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels or use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet.
Return it to the skillet after draining for mixing with the other ingredients.
How do I keep the tacos standing upright while baking?
Use a lightly greased casserole dish to hold the tacos upright.
If you don’t have one, you can roll up aluminum foil into long logs and place them on either side of the tacos to keep them from tipping over.