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Oven Baked Tacos

Oven Baked Tacos
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These Oven Baked Tacos are a quick, customizable, and crispy twist on classic tacos perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. Combining a savory protein filling with crunchy hard taco shells and melted cheese, topped with fresh veggies and salsa, they deliver a delicious, family-friendly dinner that’s easy to assemble and bake in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Taco Shells

  • Hard shell tacos (quantity as needed for serving)
  • Olive oil or cooking spray to lightly coat shells

Protein Filling

  • 1 lb ground meat or protein (beef, chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternative)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

Fresh Toppings

  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Additional Condiments

  • Salsa or hot sauce for serving
  • Sour cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the protein filling: Start by cooking your chosen protein in a skillet over medium heat. Break it apart and season generously with your taco seasoning mix (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper). Cook until the meat is browned and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
  2. Preheat the oven and prep the taco shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush or spray each taco shell with olive oil on both sides to ensure a crisp crust when baked.
  3. Assemble the tacos: Fill each shell evenly with the cooked protein mixture, then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the top. You can add some diced onions or fresh veggies now or save them for garnishing after baking.
  4. Bake to perfection: Place the filled tacos upright on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and shells are golden and crispy.
  5. Add fresh toppings and serve: Remove from the oven carefully. Top with fresh lettuce, tomato, cilantro, and a drizzle of salsa or sour cream. Serve immediately while warm and crunchy.

Notes

  • Use a taco rack to keep tacos upright while baking and prevent fillings from spilling.
  • Don’t overload the shells to avoid sogginess and difficulty in handling.
  • Warm shells briefly before filling to make them more pliable.
  • Choose cheeses that melt well for best texture and flavor.
  • Prep toppings ahead to speed up assembly.

Nutrition

Keywords: oven baked tacos, easy tacos, baked taco recipe, crispy tacos, weeknight dinner, gluten free tacos, healthy tacos

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