Oven Baked Tacos: Crispy, Cheesy, and Crowd-Pleasing 🌮🔥
If you’re a fan of tacos, get ready to elevate your taco night with this Oven Baked Tacos recipe. With a crispy shell, savory filling, and gooey melted cheese, these tacos are perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or creating a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 can refried beans
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 oz shredded cheese
- 12 tortillas/taco shells
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Make the Taco Shells
Store-Bought or Homemade? While you can easily use store-bought taco shells, homemade shells are worth the extra effort for superior flavor and crispness.
- Steam the Tortillas:
- Use small, soft taco tortillas (flour or corn).
- Wet some paper towels and wring them out.
- Layer the tortillas between the damp paper towels on a plate. Microwave for 30 seconds, or until steamed and pliable.
- Shape and Bake the Tortillas:
- Lightly spray both sides of each tortilla with cooking spray.
- Drape each tortilla over two bars of the oven rack. Place a baking sheet below to catch any drips.
- Bake at 350–375°F for 7–10 minutes, until crispy and golden brown.
- Remove and set aside to cool.
2️⃣ Prepare the Filling
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Brown 2 lbs ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Drain all grease completely and return the beef to the skillet.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Over low heat, add 1 can refried beans, 1 packet taco seasoning, and about ½–⅔ of the can of tomato sauce.
- Mix well until the filling is thoroughly combined. (Adjust the amount of tomato sauce to avoid making the mixture too runny.)
3️⃣ Assemble the Tacos
- Stand the crispy taco shells in a lightly greased casserole dish.
- Scoop the beef and bean mixture into the shells, filling them generously.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
4️⃣ Bake the Tacos
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.