Cheesy Oven-Baked Tacos
These Cheesy Oven-Baked Tacos are an easy way to make taco night for the whole family at once. Crispy taco shells are filled with seasoned beef, tomatoes and a touch of cream cheese, then topped with plenty of cheddar and baked until hot and melty. Add everyone's favorite toppings and dinner is ready.
- 8 –10 hard taco shells, preferably stand-and-stuff style
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 oz packet taco seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained (10 oz)
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 Tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Shredded lettuce
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Diced avocado or guacamole
- Diced tomatoes, optional
- Sliced jalapeños, optional
- 1 Prepare the Taco Shells
Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange the taco shells upright in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Bake for 4–5 minutes to lightly crisp the shells, then remove from the oven.
- 2
Cook the BeefAdd the ground beef and diced onion to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, breaking the beef apart as it browns, until the beef is cooked through and the onion is tender, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- 3
Make the Taco FillingStir in the taco seasoning, undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies and beef broth. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 1–2 minutes. Reduce the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese until completely melted and combined. Continue cooking until most of the excess liquid has evaporated. The filling should be moist but not runny.
- 4
Fill the TacosDivide the seasoned beef mixture evenly among the taco shells, filling each shell generously.
- 5
Add the CheeseTop each taco with shredded cheddar cheese.
- 6
BakeBake uncovered for 7–10 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and the taco shells are crisp and lightly golden.
- 7
Add the ToppingsRemove from the oven and serve right away with shredded lettuce, salsa, sour cream, avocado, guacamole or your favorite taco toppings.
NotePre-baking the empty taco shells helps keep them crisp once the filling is added.
Let the beef mixture reduce before filling the tacos. If it's too wet, the bottoms of the shells can become soggy.
The small amount of cream cheese adds creaminess and helps bring the filling together without making it taste like cream cheese.
For more heat, use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies or add sliced jalapeños.
Ground chicken or turkey can be substituted for the beef. If using either, swap the beef broth for chicken broth.
Make It Gluten-Free
Use certified gluten-free corn taco shells, gluten-free taco seasoning and gluten-free beef broth. Check the diced tomatoes with green chilies and other packaged ingredients as well.
- 2