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Oven-Baked Crispy Beef Tacos with Ultimate Molten Cheese Topping

Four crispy shells filled with seasoned ground beef and topped with shredded cheddar cheese, held upright in a muffin tin for Baked Beef Tacos with Melted Cheese.
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This recipe shows you how to bake ground beef tacos in the oven for crispy shells and perfectly melted cheese without frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning mix
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 12 hard taco shells or 12 soft corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese blend
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for soft tortillas)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Stir the taco seasoning and water into the cooked beef. Simmer for 5 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.
  4. Prepare the shells: If using hard shells, place them upright in a muffin tin or a specialized taco baking rack. If using soft tortillas, lightly brush both sides with oil (if desired) and gently fold them into a U-shape, placing them on a baking sheet.
  5. Bake the shells empty for 5 minutes to crisp them slightly.
  6. Remove the shells from the oven. Spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly into each shell or tortilla.
  7. Top each taco generously with the shredded cheese.
  8. Return the filled tacos to the oven. Bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  9. Remove from the oven and serve immediately with your preferred toppings.

Notes

  • For softer shells that hold fillings well, use soft corn tortillas and bake them on a sheet pan.
  • You can prepare the beef filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat before assembling the tacos.
  • To prevent the cheese from burning, watch the oven closely during the final baking stage.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/baked-beef-tacos-with-melted-cheese/