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Oven Baked Tacos

Oven Baked Tacos
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Oven Baked Tacos offer a quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines crispy baked taco shells with a savory, seasoned protein filling, topped with melted cheese and fresh garnishes. Easy to customize with your favorite proteins, veggies, and toppings, it delivers a delicious, family-friendly dish with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein Filling

  • 1 lb lean ground beef, chicken, turkey, or plant-based substitute
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning (blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika)
  • 2–3 tbsp water

Taco Shells

  • 12 small corn or flour tortillas

Cheese

  • 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)

Fresh Toppings

  • 1 cup chopped lettuce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Salsa & Sauces

  • 1/2 cup salsa or crema for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: Cook the chosen ground meat or protein in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it browns. Stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water, then simmer until the flavors meld and the mixture thickens.
  2. Shape the Tortillas: Lightly warm the small tortillas to make them pliable. Gently fold each one into a taco shape and place them standing upright in a greased muffin tin or on a foil-lined baking tray to retain shape during baking.
  3. Fill and Top: Spoon the seasoned meat mixture evenly into each tortilla shell. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top to seal in the filling and add creamy, melted goodness.
  4. Bake to Crisp Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled tacos for 12-15 minutes, until the shells are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
  5. Add Fresh Toppings: Remove tacos from the oven and top each with chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of salsa or crema for bright, fresh flavors.

Notes

  • Warm tortillas before shaping to prevent cracking.
  • Do not overfill taco shells to avoid sogginess and uneven baking.
  • Use a muffin tin to help shells keep their shape upright while baking.
  • Cheese on top helps bind filling and shell, creating crispy edges.
  • Adjust baking time based on your oven and preferred crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: oven baked tacos, baked tacos, easy dinner, crispy tacos, taco recipe, family-friendly tacos, gluten-free tacos

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/oven-baked-tacos/