These Oven Baked Tacos are a game-changer for taco nights! Crispy shells filled with savory seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, and gooey melted cheese, all baked to perfection in just 10 minutes. If you haven’t tried them yet, you’re missing out on a ridiculously easy and delicious dinner idea!
Why This Recipe Works
Simplicity at Its Best: Minimal prep, a handful of ingredients, and quick assembly make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
Crispy Yet Cheesy: Baking the tacos enhances the crunch of the shells while perfectly melting the cheese.
Customizable for All: Add toppings like sour cream, salsa, or jalapeños for a personalized taco experience.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
Ground Beef: 1 lb, browned and drained 🥩
Refried Beans: 1 can (16 oz)
Taco Seasoning: 1 packet (or homemade mix) 🌮
Tomato Sauce: ½ can (about 4 oz) 🍅
Taco Shells: 8–10 stand-and-stuff hard taco shells 🌮
Cheese: 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend 🧀
Optional Toppings
Sour cream
Salsa
Diced tomatoes
Shredded lettuce
Sliced jalapeños
How to Make Oven Baked Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain any excess grease.
Add the refried beans, taco seasoning, and tomato sauce to the skillet with the cooked beef. Mix until fully combined and heated through.
Step 2: Assemble the Tacos
Arrange the taco shells upright in a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Fill each shell with the beef and bean mixture, packing it in firmly.
Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top of each filled taco.
Step 3: Bake the Tacos
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the taco shells are slightly golden and crisp.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the tacos from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Add your favorite toppings and serve immediately!
Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success
Prevent Soggy Shells: Use stand-and-stuff taco shells to keep the filling in place, and don’t overfill with sauce.
Make Ahead: Prepare ther beef mixture in advance and assemble just before baking.
Double the Batch: Perfect for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for the next day.
Serving Suggestions
These baked tacos pair wonderfully with:
Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice
A side of Refried Beans or Black Beans
Fresh guacamole, salsa, or a tangy pico de gallo
Timing Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 20–22 minutes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the perfect blend of convenience and deliciousness. Whether it’s for a quick family dinner, game-day snack, or casual gathering, Oven Baked Tacos are guaranteed to disappear fast. With just one bite, you’ll see why everyone raves about them!