Go Back
To make delicious oven baked cheesy tacos, you need some key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 12 taco shells - 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1 tablespoon taco seasoning - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup diced tomatoes - 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional) - 1 cup shredded lettuce - ½ cup sour cream (for serving) - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a tasty, cheesy delight. The taco shells hold all the goodness inside. The ground beef or turkey provides protein. Taco seasoning adds flavor. Black beans and corn give texture and nutrition. Shredded cheddar cheese makes everything creamy. Diced tomatoes add freshness, and the jalapeño gives a kick if you like spice. Toppings like shredded lettuce, sour cream, and cilantro complete the dish. Enjoy preparing these tasty tacos! {{ingredient_image_1}} Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step helps the tacos cook evenly. In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Brown the meat, stirring often. Drain extra fat when it’s done cooking. Add 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning and ¼ cup of water. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes. The mix should thicken a little. In a large bowl, mix the cooked meat with 1 can of black beans, 1 cup of corn, and 1 cup of diced tomatoes. Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the bowl too. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined. Stand 12 taco shells upright in a baking dish. Spoon the meat and bean mixture evenly into each shell. Make sure to fill them well. Then, top each taco with the rest of the cheddar cheese and sprinkle chopped jalapeño on top if you like some heat. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an extra 10-15 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and turn a golden color. After baking, take the tacos out of the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes. Top them with shredded lettuce and the rest of the diced tomatoes. Finally, add fresh cilantro for a nice touch. Serve with sour cream on the side for dipping. Enjoy your tasty creation! For this recipe, I suggest using either ground beef or turkey. Ground beef gives a rich flavor, while turkey is leaner. You can also use a mix of both for a balanced taste. Choose a meat with around 80% lean to keep it juicy. To get that perfect cheese melt, use shredded cheddar cheese. It melts well and gives a nice, gooey texture. For extra flavor, mix in some Monterey Jack cheese. Make sure to sprinkle cheese on top before baking. This helps create a golden crust that everyone loves. When serving these tacos, add fresh toppings for a burst of flavor. I like to include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. You can also add jalapeños for a kick. Serve with a side of sour cream to cool down the spice. Arrange the tacos on a platter and add lime wedges for a zesty touch. Enjoy! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality meat. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall taste of your cheesy tacos. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning and jalapeño based on your preferred spice level. You can even add hot sauce for an extra kick! Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a unique twist on flavor. Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve! {{image_2}} You can easily make these tacos vegetarian. Swap the meat for a mix of veggies. Use diced bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Black beans add protein and flavor. You can also add some cooked quinoa for extra texture. This mix keeps the dish hearty and filling. Don’t forget the cheese for that melty goodness! You have many choices for the protein in these tacos. Ground turkey and ground chicken are great alternatives. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick option. For a richer taste, try chorizo. It adds a spicy kick and lots of flavor. Just remember to adjust the seasoning based on your choice. Adjusting the spice level is easy and fun. If you like it hot, add more jalapeños or some diced chipotle peppers. For a mild version, skip the jalapeños and use sweet bell peppers. You can also reduce the taco seasoning for less heat. Consider serving with a side of hot sauce for those who crave it! You can store leftover tacos in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat them, just reheat. This method keeps the flavors intact. If you want to save them longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each taco tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They will last for up to three months in the freezer. To eat, just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat, place the tacos in the oven. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake them for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the shells crispy and the cheese melty. You can also use a microwave, but the shells may get soft. Enjoy your delicious tacos again! Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time. Cook the ground beef or turkey, then mix it with the black beans, corn, and spices. Store this mixture in the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready to bake, just fill the taco shells and add cheese. This saves time and makes dinner easier! You can get creative with toppings! Here are some ideas: - Shredded lettuce - Diced tomatoes - Chopped jalapeños - Sliced olives - Avocado or guacamole - Sour cream - Fresh cilantro These toppings add flavor and color. Pick your favorites to make your tacos shine! To make these tacos gluten-free, choose gluten-free taco shells. Many brands offer great options. Also, check your taco seasoning for gluten. Make sure it is labeled gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty tacos! You learned how to make oven-baked cheesy tacos with simple steps. We covered must-have ingredients and cooking tips. You can adjust flavors or switch proteins to fit your taste. Don’t forget to store leftovers or freeze them for later. Tacos are fun and easy to customize. Enjoy sharing them with friends and family. Making these tacos is sure to impress. Now, gather your ingredients and start baking! You'll love the results.

Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos

Delicious and cheesy tacos baked to perfection, perfect for a family meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 pieces taco shells
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 piece jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • ½ cup sour cream (for serving)
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet, over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  • Stir in the taco seasoning and add ¼ cup of water. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat, black beans, corn, half of the cheddar cheese, and diced tomatoes (reserve some for garnish). Mix until well combined.
  • Arrange the taco shells upright in a baking dish. Spoon the meat and bean mixture evenly into each taco shell.
  • Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and sprinkle the chopped jalapeño on top (if using).
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Top with shredded lettuce, remaining diced tomatoes, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
  • Serve with sour cream on the side.

Notes

Arrange the tacos on a platter, garnish with extra cheese and cilantro, and serve with lime wedges for an added zest!
Keyword baked, cheesy, tacos