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Baked Tacos

Crispy Baked Tacos with Flavor-Packed Filling for Busy Nights

Enjoy these crispy baked tacos filled with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and your favorite toppings for a delightful and versatile weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 tacos
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Taco Filling
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef or ground pork, turkey, or chicken
  • 1 small onion (diced) yellow preferred
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced) fresh is best
  • 1 packet taco seasoning store-bought or homemade
  • 0.5 cup water or beer beer adds more flavor
  • to taste hot sauce such as Cholula
For Assembling the Tacos
  • 12 hard taco shells any brand
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar/pepper jack
For Serving
  • to taste pico de gallo
  • to taste avocado slices or diced
  • to taste sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • to taste cilantro
  • to taste shredded lettuce optional
  • to taste lime wedges

Equipment

  • cast iron skillet
  • baking dish

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef, breaking it apart and sauté for 3-5 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Stir in 1 small diced onion and cook until translucent (2-3 minutes). Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 more minute.
  4. Add taco seasoning, 0.5 cup of water or beer, and a splash of hot sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly oil a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  6. Place taco shells upright in the baking dish and bake for 3-4 minutes until crispy.
  7. Fill each taco shell with about a quarter cup of the beef mixture and top with shredded cheese.
  8. Return filled shells to the oven and bake for an additional 4-5 minutes until cheese is melted.
  9. Serve immediately with toppings like pico de gallo, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, shredded lettuce, and lime wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tacoCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 15gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Make sure to store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness. You can freeze the tacos for up to 3 months before baking.

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