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The key to great Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos is fresh, flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 12 soft corn tortillas - 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat) - 1 tablespoon taco seasoning - 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn, frozen or canned - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup salsa - 1 avocado, diced - 1 cup sour cream - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Lime wedges (for serving) Each ingredient plays a role in creating a tasty dish. The ground beef provides a hearty base. Taco seasoning adds that classic flavor we all love. Black beans and corn give it extra texture and nutrition. The cheese melts beautifully, making every bite creamy. Salsa brings a zesty kick, while avocado and sour cream add freshness. Finally, cilantro and lime brighten up the dish. Mix and match these ingredients based on your preference. You can easily swap the meat or adjust the toppings. This flexibility makes it perfect for everyone in the family. Enjoy gathering these ingredients and get ready for a fun cooking experience! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This keeps the tacos from sticking. 2. Cook the ground beef until browned. In a large skillet, add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook it over medium heat. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. 3. Mix in taco seasoning, black beans, and corn. Once the beef is browned, stir in 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning, 1 cup of black beans, and 1 cup of corn. Cook everything for an extra 2-3 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend nicely. 1. Assemble tortillas and meat mixture in the baking dish. Start by placing the soft corn tortillas on the bottom of the dish. Overlap them slightly. This forms a solid base for your tacos. 2. Repeat the layering process with remaining ingredients. Spoon the meat mixture evenly over the tortillas. Then, pour 1 cup of salsa on top. Sprinkle half of the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over this layer. - Add another layer of tortillas, followed by more meat mixture, salsa, and cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used. Make sure the top layer is tortillas with the rest of the cheese on top. 1. Cover and bake. Use aluminum foil to cover the baking dish. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes. 2. Remove foil and finish baking. After 25 minutes, take off the foil. Bake for another 10-15 minutes. Look for bubbly, lightly golden cheese. 3. Cooling and topping before serving. After baking, let the dish cool for 5 minutes. Top with diced avocado and fresh cilantro. This adds flavor and color. Serve with sour cream and lime wedges on the side for extra zing! To make your cheesy tacos really shine, choose the right cheese. I love using sharp cheddar because it adds a rich flavor. You can also mix in Monterey Jack for extra creaminess. To achieve that golden cheesy crust, sprinkle the cheese evenly. When baking, make sure to cover the dish with foil for part of the time. This helps the cheese melt nicely. Remove the foil for the last few minutes. Let the cheese bubble and turn golden. Adjusting taco seasoning can help match your heat preference. Start with one tablespoon and taste the mix. If you want more heat, add a little cayenne or chili powder. You can also add spicy elements. Diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce can kick the flavor up a notch. Just make sure to ask your family how hot they like it! These tacos are great with sides! I recommend serving them with a fresh salad or Mexican rice. Guacamole also pairs well for extra creaminess. For drinks, try a cold soda or a fruity mocktail. A light beer can also complement the flavors nicely. Enjoy your meal with family and friends! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs for garnish, as they enhance the flavors and presentation of your dish. Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add additional ingredients like jalapeños, black olives, or bell peppers to the meat mixture for a personalized touch. Experiment with Cheese: Try mixing different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a unique flavor profile. Let It Rest: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after baking to help the layers set, making it easier to serve. {{image_2}} You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey. Turkey is leaner and adds a lighter taste. If you want a plant-based option, use plant-based meat. It gives you the same texture without meat. You can also try chicken or pork for a different flavor. Each protein adds its own twist to the dish. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and use beans. Black beans work great here. They add protein and fiber. You can also add veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. These add color and crunch. For a vegan option, use plant-based sour cream and cheese. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty tacos. While soft corn tortillas are excellent, try hard taco shells for a crunchier bite. Hard shells hold fillings well, making them fun to eat. You can also explore different tortilla types. Whole wheat tortillas add fiber and nutrients. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free tortillas. They keep the taco experience delicious and safe for everyone. Store any leftover cheesy tacos in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can refrigerate them for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just take them out. If they smell good and look fine, they should be safe to eat. To freeze your tasty tacos, let them cool first. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped tacos in a freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out all the air. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to eat them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use the oven for the best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tacos in a baking dish. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. This way, they stay warm and tasty. To avoid sogginess, do not add extra sauce before reheating. Enjoy your cheesy tacos just like when they were fresh! Yes, you can make these tacos ahead of time. Prepare the meat mixture and layer the tacos in the baking dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. You can bake them the next day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This method saves time and makes dinner easy. To make these tacos gluten-free, choose soft corn tortillas. Many brands offer gluten-free options. Always check the label to ensure they meet your needs. You can also use lettuce wraps for a fresh twist. This option is low in carbs and gluten-free. If you want heat, add diced jalapeños to the meat mix. You can also use spicy taco seasoning. For more flavor, try adding a splash of hot sauce to the salsa. You can even sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving. Adjust the spice to fit your taste! Oven-baked cheesy tacos are simple and fun to make. You learned about tasty ingredients, how to cook them, and the best ways to serve. I shared tips to customize your tacos and keep leftovers fresh. With different meat options and storage tips, you can enjoy these tacos anytime. Now, get creative and make them your own! Experiment with flavors and enjoy this dish with friends and family. Tacos are perfect for any occasion.

Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos

Delicious and cheesy baked tacos layered with ground beef, beans, and cheese.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 pieces soft corn tortillas
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 piece avocado, diced
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 serving lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, and corn. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
  • Spray a baking dish (9x13 inches) with cooking spray. Begin layering the tortillas on the bottom of the dish, overlapping slightly.
  • Spoon the meat mixture evenly over the tortillas, then pour the salsa over the top.
  • Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat and salsa layers. Layer additional tortillas on top, creating another layer, and repeat the meat, salsa, and cheese layering until all ingredients are used. End with a layer of tortillas topped with remaining cheese.
  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Top with diced avocado and sprinkle fresh cilantro before serving.
  • Serve with sour cream and lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Feel free to substitute ground beef with turkey or plant-based meat.
Keyword baked, cheesy, easy, ground beef, tacos