Oven Baked Tacos
Oven Baked Tacos are a quick, flavorful, and family-friendly dinner option featuring crispy tortillas filled with seasoned meat, melted cheese, and fresh toppings. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these tacos bake to golden perfection without frying, combining hearty ingredients with minimal fuss for a satisfying meal everyone will love.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free Optional
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika blend)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
Optional Toppings
- Fresh cilantro
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Diced tomatoes
- Prepare the Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef or turkey until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning with a splash of water. Simmer until the mixture thickens and becomes fragrant.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Tortillas: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush or spray each tortilla with olive oil to ensure they crisp up nicely when baked.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spoon the meat mixture onto each tortilla. Add chopped onions and bell peppers if using, then sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. Fold or roll the tortillas gently and place them side by side in a baking dish or on a baking sheet.
- Bake Until Crisp: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden and crisp and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Monitor closely near the end to avoid burning.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Remove the tacos from the oven and top with your favorite garnishes, such as fresh cilantro, salsa, sour cream, or guacamole, to add freshness and creaminess.
Notes
- Pre-cook veggies like onions and peppers to enhance sweetness and soften texture.
- Do not overfill the tortillas to prevent spills and ensure easy folding.
- Use a wire rack over the baking sheet for better air circulation and extra crispness.
- Add a thin layer of cheese inside the tortilla before filling to help seal it.
- Allow tacos to rest for a few minutes after baking to let fillings set and avoid burns.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: oven baked tacos, baked tacos, quick family dinner, crispy tacos, taco recipe, easy taco dinner, gluten free tacos