Oven Baked Tacos

These easy oven-baked tacos are a game-changer! Perfectly crispy shells, seasoned beef, and gooey melted cheese—all baked together for a super quick, mess-free taco night. Just add your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a fun, delicious meal everyone will love!

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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap "Jump to Recipe" at the top of the page.

Why You'll Love These Tacos

You’re going to love these oven-baked tacos. They make taco night so much easier and tastier! Baking the tacos gives them a perfect crunch, and the cheese melts right into the seasoned meat for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Plus, they’re all cooked at once, so there’s no juggling multiple pans or dealing with a messy stovetop. Just pop them in the oven, add your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a warm, crispy, and cheesy taco feast that’s perfect for family dinners or feeding a crowd. Once you try these, you’ll want to make taco night this way every time!

Taco Ingredients

*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.

• Ground Beef: The base of the filling; cook until browned and crumbly. Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or use a plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
• Taco Seasoning: Adds that classic taco flavor to the meat. Use homemade taco seasoning, or a low-sodium packet if you prefer.
• Salsa: Adds moisture and a bit of spice to the filling. Swap with canned diced tomatoes or a mild enchilada sauce if you want a different flavor.
• Refried Beans: Makes the filling extra creamy and hearty. Black beans or pinto beans, mashed with a fork, can be used if you don’t have refried beans on hand.
• Crunchy Taco Shells: Perfect for baking and holding all that delicious filling! Soft flour or corn tortillas can work too; just lay them in a baking dish.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts into the filling for gooey, cheesy goodness. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are all great choices.
• Optional Toppings: Customize with your favorites like sliced jalapeños, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, green onions, or fresh cilantro.

How to Make Oven Baked Tacos

[Step 1] Cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain or soak up the grease with a paper towel.

[Step 2] Add the refried beans, taco seasoning, and salsa to the ground beef and mix. Cook until heated through.

[Step 3] Arrange the taco shells in a baking dish and fill with the meat mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.

[Step 4] Bake the tacos at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and add your favorite toppings!

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

To store leftover oven-baked tacos, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore the crispiness of the shells.

If you're in a hurry, the microwave works too—just heat in short bursts to avoid making the shells too soft. Add fresh toppings after reheating, and they’ll taste as delicious as when first made!

Recipe Variations

• Chicken Baked Tacos: Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken, and use taco seasoning or a dash of cumin and chili powder for flavor.
• Vegetarian Baked Tacos: Use black beans, pinto beans, or crumbled tofu with taco seasoning instead of meat for a tasty meatless option.
• Breakfast Tacos: Use scrambled eggs, crumbled sausage or bacon, and shredded cheese for a savory breakfast twist. Top with salsa and avocado after baking.
• Buffalo Chicken Tacos: Toss shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, bake with cheese, and top with shredded lettuce and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
• Spicy Chorizo Tacos: Use cooked chorizo sausage as your filling for a spicy, smoky flavor—great topped with diced onions and cilantro.
• Taco Casserole: Layer ingredients like refried beans, meat, and cheese in a casserole dish with broken-up taco shells or tortilla chips for a layered taco bake.
• Low-Carb Tacos: Swap crunchy shells for large bell pepper halves or zucchini boats to hold the filling and bake until tender.

Final Thoughts

I hope you love these easy, cheesy oven-baked tacos as much as I do! They’re perfect for family dinners, game days, or any time you’re craving that classic taco flavor with a little less mess. If this recipe becomes a favorite in your house, too, don’t forget to leave a 5-star review and let us know how they turned out—your feedback means a lot and helps others find and enjoy this tasty dish!