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- 12 soft corn tortillas - 1 pound ground beef (or substitutions) - 1 tablespoon taco seasoning - 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn, frozen or canned - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup salsa - 1 ripe avocado, diced - 1 cup sour cream - Fresh cilantro and lime wedges Gathering the right ingredients is key to making Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos. First, you need the tortillas. Soft corn tortillas work best for this dish. They hold the filling well and add a nice flavor. Next, you need ground beef. You can swap it out for ground turkey or a plant-based meat if you prefer. The taco seasoning adds great flavor to the meat. Just one tablespoon is all you need. For the filling, black beans add protein and texture. Make sure to drain and rinse them first. Corn, either frozen or canned, adds sweetness and crunch. You will also need two cups of shredded cheddar cheese. This cheese melts beautifully and gives that cheesy goodness we all love. Don’t forget the toppings! Salsa adds a fresh kick. Diced avocado gives creaminess. Sour cream adds richness, and fresh cilantro gives color and flavor. Lime wedges are a must for a zesty squeeze over the top. Now that you have your ingredients, you are ready to create a tasty family dinner! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps cook the tacos well. - Gather your ingredients. This makes the assembly quick and easy. - In a large skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef. Use medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. - Stir in 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning, 1 cup of black beans, and 1 cup of corn. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated. - Lightly spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This helps keep the tacos from sticking. - Lay 12 soft corn tortillas on the bottom of the dish. Overlap them slightly for a strong base. - Spoon the meat mixture over the tortillas. Drizzle 1 cup of salsa on top for flavor. - Sprinkle half of the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the meat. - Add more tortillas for a second layer. Repeat the meat, salsa, and cheese layers. End with a final layer of tortillas and the rest of the cheese. - Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes. This keeps the tacos moist. - Remove the foil and bake for an extra 10-15 minutes. Look for bubbly, golden cheese. - Once finished, let the dish cool for about 5 minutes. Top with diced avocado and chopped cilantro for color. - Serve hot with sour cream and lime wedges for extra flavor. - Choosing the right cheese: For the best melt, I recommend using sharp cheddar cheese. Its rich flavor pairs well with the beef and spices. You can also mix in Monterey Jack for an extra creamy texture. - Techniques for even melting: Layer your cheese evenly. When you sprinkle it over the tacos, make sure to cover every bit of filling. This helps every bite be cheesy and delicious. Baking covered at first keeps the moisture in, making the cheese melt flawlessly. - Adding extra spices or ingredients: You can boost flavor by adding diced jalapeños or chopped onions to the meat mixture. A dash of cumin or smoked paprika adds depth too. If you love heat, consider a spicier salsa. - Suggested side dishes for pairing: Serve these tacos with a fresh salad or Mexican rice. A side of refried beans is also a great choice. They balance the meal and add more texture. - Presentation tips for serving: I like to serve the tacos right from the baking dish. It looks rustic and welcoming. For a fancier touch, plate individual portions. Add a sprinkle of cilantro and lime wedges for a pop of color. - Ideal accompaniments: Offer sour cream and guacamole on the side. These creamy toppings cut through the spices and add richness. Don't forget to have some lime wedges ready for squeezing. Pro Tips Use fresh tortillas: Fresh corn tortillas will provide a softer texture and better flavor compared to stale ones. Consider warming them slightly before layering for an even better result. Layer with care: Make sure to spread the fillings evenly to prevent any areas from being overstuffed or dry. This will ensure that every bite is delicious! Customize your toppings: Feel free to add other toppings such as jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or olives to the layers for added flavor and texture. Let it rest: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking will help the layers set and make serving easier. {{image_4}} You can easily switch ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat. Both options taste great. They keep the tacos light and healthy. If you need gluten-free tacos, use corn tortillas. For dairy-free needs, try vegan cheese instead of cheddar. These swaps keep the recipe friendly for different diets. Salsa is key to taco flavor. You can choose mild, medium, or hot salsa. Each adds a unique taste. Want more kick? Try adding jalapeños! You can also customize toppings. Think about adding diced onions, black olives, or fresh tomatoes. Each topping makes the tacos special. You can cook these tasty tacos in a slow cooker or an instant pot. For a slow cooker, layer the tortillas and fillings like in the oven. Cook on low for about 4 hours. For an instant pot, use the sauté function to cook the meat first. Then, layer everything into the pot. Set it to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Both methods give you delicious, cheesy tacos with less effort. To keep your oven baked cheesy tacos fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the flavors intact. Place the tacos in the fridge within two hours of cooking. They stay good for about three to four days. If you notice any strange smells or colors, it's best to toss them out. You can freeze these tacos either before or after baking. If you freeze them before baking, assemble the tacos in a dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. To bake later, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking. If you bake first, let them cool completely, then wrap them well. They can last up to three months in the freezer. For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Enjoy them hot for the best taste! You can add heat in several ways: - Use spicy taco seasoning instead of regular. - Add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. - Mix hot salsa with your favorite kind. - Top with sliced fresh chili peppers before serving. These options will bring a kick to your tacos. You can adjust the heat to your taste. Yes, you can prepare these tacos in advance. - Assemble the tacos up to 24 hours ahead. - Cover them and store them in the fridge. - Bake them when you are ready to eat. You may need to add a few extra minutes to your baking time if they are cold. If you need alternatives, here are some options: - Flour tortillas work well for soft tacos. - Lettuce wraps make a low-carb choice. - Whole wheat tortillas offer a healthier option. - Gluten-free tortillas are great for those with allergies. These substitutes can fit different diets without losing flavor or texture. Oven-baked cheesy tacos are easy and fun to make. We covered the ingredients, from soft corn tortillas to your favorite toppings. Followed by step-by-step cooking instructions, you can create a delicious meal. Tips for melting cheese and enhancing flavors will impress your friends. Don’t forget the variations for dietary needs; everyone can enjoy this dish. Finally, proper storing methods will keep your leftovers fresh. Enjoy these tasty tacos today, and get creative with your toppings!

Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos

Delicious cheesy tacos baked to perfection, layered with ground beef, beans, corn, and topped with avocado and cilantro.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 pieces soft corn tortillas
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 piece ripe avocado, diced
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 pieces lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it warms up while you prepare the ingredients.
  • Cook the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink.
  • Add flavor: Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, and corn into the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until all components are heated through.
  • Prepare the baking dish: Lightly spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the tortillas by laying them on the bottom of the dish, overlapping them slightly to create a solid base.
  • Layer the fillings: Spoon the meat mixture evenly over the tortillas, then generously drizzle the salsa over the top.
  • Cheesy layering: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture. Place more tortillas on top, creating a second layer. Repeat the process of adding the meat mixture, salsa, and cheese until all ingredients are used. Finish with a final layer of tortillas topped with the remaining cheese for a deliciously cheesy crust.
  • Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Rest and garnish: Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Top with the diced avocado and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and color.
  • Serve: For a perfect finishing touch, serve the tacos hot with dollops of sour cream on the side and lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Notes

Consider serving the tacos directly from the baking dish for a rustic presentation.
Keyword baked, cheesy, easy, ground beef, tacos