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Looking for an easy way to make tacos for a crowd? This oven-baked taco recipe is a must-try! With crispy taco shells, a flavorful meat filling, and gooey melted cheese, it’s the perfect dish for Taco Tuesday, Cinco de Mayo, or any taco night. Serve these straight from the casserole dish and watch them disappear—they’re that good!

Oven baked tacos make the best way to serve tacos for a crowd! The tacos are assembled and baked in a casserole dish so they are hot and cheese is melted! Just add the toppings and dig in!

Why You’ll Love Oven Baked Tacos

Perfect for a crowd: These tacos are baked together in a casserole dish, so they’re all ready at the same time—no more waiting to assemble each taco individually.
Easy to customize: Whether you prefer ground beef, turkey, or even vegetarian fillings, this recipe works with your favorite ingredients.
Crispy and cheesy: Baking the tacos creates perfectly crisp shells filled with warm, melty cheese that’s irresistible.
Quick and simple: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.
Family-friendly: Everyone can add their favorite toppings, making these tacos a hit for kids and adults alike.

Taco nights are always popular in our house! Taco Tuesday, Cinco De Mayo or just any excuse under the sun to make tonight a taco night! Tacos are so delicious and can be customized with your favorite toppings – no wonder they are so popular!

Ingredients For Oven Baked Tacos

Taco shells – The crispy foundation for these tacos, perfect for holding all the delicious fillings.
Ground beef or turkey – Choose your favorite protein for a flavorful and hearty base.
Tomato sauce – Adds a rich, tangy flavor to the seasoned meat.
Taco seasoning – A blend of spices that gives the filling its classic taco flavor.
Refried beans – A creamy, savory layer that complements the meat and cheese.
Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts perfectly in the oven, creating gooey goodness in every bite.
Shredded lettuce – Adds a fresh, crisp topping to balance the warm, cheesy filling.
Frozen corn (thawed) – A sweet and crunchy addition for texture and flavor.
Fresh or canned salsa – Brings a burst of zesty freshness to the tacos.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Have you ever made baked tacos? If you haven’t and you’ll try it for the first time, it will feel like a true revelation! All the tacos are pre-assembled, then baked until heated and cheese is melted – meaning they are ready for everyone to eat at the same time. If you bake tacos in the oven, you won’t need to be filling tacos the “assembly-line” style like Chipotle counter while everyone is hungry and waiting!

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Oven Baked Tacos

9×13 baking dish – Perfect for arranging and baking the tacos all at once.
Non-stick frying pan – For browning and cooking the ground beef or turkey.
Non-stick cooking spray – Prevents the meat from sticking to the frying pan.
Measuring cups – Ensures you use the right amounts of ingredients for perfect results every time.

If you are making tacos for more than 2 people, oven baked tacos are definitely the way to go. Having all tacos ready at the same time is so freeing! Tacos come out of the oven piping hot and ready to eat, and all you need to do is add the toppings!

With these amazing oven baked tacos, taco shells are put in a casserole dish – stuff as many taco shells there as can fit without breaking :) Fill them with refried beans and cooked seasoned ground meat, sprinkle with shredded cheese and bake until the cheese is melted! Hot crunchy taco shells with warmed meat and beans and gooey melted cheese – everybody wants those mouthwatering tacos!

How To Make Oven Baked Tacos

Step 1: Put taco shells in a baking dish in a single layer

Step 2: Add refried beans to the taco shells

Step 3: Add cooked seasoned ground meat to the taco shells

Step 4: Add shredded cheese to the tacos

Step 5: Bake tacos at 400F for 10 minutes

Step 6: Add taco toppings!

Serving Suggestions

Pair these oven-baked tacos with a side of cilantro-lime rice for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.
Serve alongside a bowl of Homemade Chunky Tomato Guacamole and Healthy Baked Tortilla Chips for dipping.
Add a dollop of Creamy Salsa and Sour Cream or Protein-Packed Greek Yogurt on top of each taco for extra creaminess.
For a fun presentation, set up a topping bar with extras like diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and chopped onions so everyone can customize their tacos.
Offer a refreshing drink like a Classic Margarita, Freshly Squeezed Lemonade, or horchata to complement the meal.

Tips For Success

Choose sturdy taco shells: Make sure to use hard taco shells that can hold their shape during baking and filling.
Don’t overfill the shells: Adding too much filling can make the tacos difficult to handle and cause them to break. Stick to a balanced amount of beans, meat, and cheese.
Arrange the shells snugly: Placing the taco shells close together in the baking dish helps them stay upright while baking.
Pre-cook the meat properly: Ensure the ground beef or turkey is fully cooked before adding it to the shells. Browning it evenly brings out its flavor and texture.
Layer toppings just before serving: Add lettuce, corn, and salsa after baking to keep them fresh and crisp.

Variations And Substitutions

Protein options: Swap the ground beef or turkey with shredded chicken, ground pork, or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
Bean alternatives: Refried black beans or seasoned whole beans make a great substitute for traditional refried beans.
Cheese varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for unique flavors.
Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick. Adjust the taco seasoning to match your spice preference.
Toppings twist: Use guacamole, sour cream, or pickled onions instead of lettuce and salsa for a new take on flavors and textures.
Low-carb option: Use low-carb or keto taco shells to make this dish more diet-friendly.
Gluten-free version: Ensure your taco shells and seasoning mix are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.
Make it cheesy: Sprinkle extra cheese over the taco shells before baking for an ultra-gooey experience.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the shells from getting soggy, store the toppings (like lettuce and salsa) separately.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat tacos in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and the shells are crispy again. You can also reheat them in the air fryer for about 3-4 minutes.
Microwave option: While the microwave is quicker, it may soften the taco shells. Heat for 1-2 minutes, and consider crisping the shells separately in a dry skillet.
Freezing: To freeze, assemble tacos without fresh toppings and wrap each one in foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use soft tortillas instead of hard taco shells?

Yes! You can use soft tortillas, but the texture will be different. To make them easier to handle, you can warm the tortillas slightly before filling and folding them into taco shapes.

What can I use instead of refried beans?

You can replace refried beans with black beans, pinto beans, or even mashed sweet potatoes for a unique twist.

How can I make these tacos spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the meat mixture. You can also use a spicy taco seasoning blend.

Can I prepare these tacos ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble the tacos just before baking to keep the shells from getting soggy.

What toppings work best for these tacos?

In addition to lettuce, salsa, and corn, you can add guacamole, sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, or shredded cabbage for variety.

How do I prevent the taco shells from breaking?

Handle the taco shells gently and avoid overfilling them. Placing them snugly in the baking dish will also help them maintain their shape during baking.

Can I use pre-seasoned meat?

Yes, pre-seasoned meat is a great time-saver! Just heat it before adding it to the taco shells.

If you love tacos and Mexican food, you will also love these easy recipes:

Salmon Fish Tacos With Mango Salsa – when you want a change from meat tacos, try these delicious FISH tacos!

Taco Lettuce Wraps – use the lettuce leaves instead of taco shells for the healthiest taco version ever!

Cilantro-Lime Rice Like Chipotle – smells and tastes like Chipotle rice, yum!

Homemade Flour Tortillas – these are so good for soft tacos!

Chicken Fajitas Dinner – so easy, ready in 10 minutes!

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