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Easy baked tacos with melted cheese and fresh toppings

Easy Baked Tacos That Make Weeknight Dinner Effortless


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  • Author: Oprah
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 tacos

Description

Crispy oven baked tacos filled with seasoned beef or turkey, melted cheese, and customizable toppings. A fast and satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights.


Ingredients

Cooking spray

1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey

2 tablespoons taco seasoning

2 tablespoons tomato paste or ketchup

1/3 cup water

12 crispy taco shells

1 cup finely shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

Shredded lettuce

Diced tomatoes

Salsa or pico de gallo

Sour cream

Guacamole or diced avocado

Pickled onions

Chopped cilantro

Lime wedges


Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Place the taco shells upright in a 9 × 13-inch baking dish. If the shells tip over, tuck small pieces of foil between them so they stay standing.

3. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and lightly coat it with cooking spray.

4. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it into small pieces with a spatula and cook for about 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is mostly browned.

5. Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato paste, and water. Mix well and cook for another 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the mixture to heat through.

6. Remove the skillet from the heat.

7. Spoon the seasoned meat evenly into each taco shell.

8. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the filled tacos.

9. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

10. Remove from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.

Make sure the meat mixture is thick to keep the shells crispy.

Serve with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Quick & Easy Dinners
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired