Description
Oven-Baked Tacos
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
2/3 cup water
1 can (15 oz) refried beans
12 taco shells
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa
Directions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Beef:
In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess grease, then add taco seasoning and water. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes.
Mix the Filling:
Stir the refried beans into the beef mixture and cook for another 2 minutes until heated through.
Assemble Tacos:
Place taco shells in a 9×13-inch baking dish, standing upright. Spoon the beef and bean mixture into each shell, filling about 3/4 full.
Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over each taco.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Remove from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 400 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb ground beef until no pink remains. Drain fat thoroughly.
3. Season the Filling: Add 1 packet taco seasoning and 2/3 cup water to the beef. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
4. Add Beans: Stir in the can of refried beans until fully combined and heated through, about 2 minutes.
5. Assemble Tacos: Stand 12 taco shells upright in the baking dish. Spoon the beef-bean mixture into each, filling 3/4 full to prevent overflow.
6. Add Cheese & Bake: Top each taco generously with 2 cups shredded cheese. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and shells are lightly crisped.
7. Final Touch: Carefully remove from oven. Let cool for 2-3 minutes before adding fresh toppings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these tacos immediately for the best texture. Create a topping bar with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, sliced jalapeños, and chopped cilantro. Pair with classic sides like Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple corn salad. For a complete meal, add chips and queso or a refreshing margarita.
How-to Summary
Brown ground beef, mix with taco seasoning and refried beans. Fill standing taco shells, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Add fresh toppings and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different protein? Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat substitute work well. Adjust cooking time as needed.
How do I keep the taco shells from getting soggy? Ensure your beef mixture is not too watery after simmering. Draining fat thoroughly and not overfilling shells also helps.
Can I assemble these ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the tacos (without baking) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Add 2-3 extra minutes to the bake time if going straight from fridge to oven.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes to maintain crispness. The microwave will make the shells soft.
Can I use soft tortillas instead? For “soft” baked tacos, use flour tortillas. Fill, fold, place seam-side down in the dish, top with cheese and sauce, and bake until melted.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling Shells: This causes messy spillover and uneven cooking. Fill only 3/4 full.
- Not Draining the Beef: Excess grease will make the filling greasy and the shells soggy.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Using cold refried beans straight from the can can cool the mixture. Let them sit out or warm slightly first.
- Overbaking: Bake just until cheese melts. Too long in the oven leads to overly hard or burnt shells.
Conclusion
Oven-Baked Tacos are the ultimate solution for a delicious, customizable, and crowd-pleasing dinner with minimal active cooking time. This method delivers the perfect combination of a warm, flavorful filling, melted cheese, and a satisfyingly crisp shell. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can master this easy recipe. It’s a guaranteed hit for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, making taco night better than ever.