Baked Tacos Recipe

Easy baked tacos with seasoned ground beef, black beans, and melted cheddar cheese in crispy taco shells. Perfect for quick dinners, family meals, and customizable with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, and avocado. Great for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 8-10 hard taco shells (recommend “Stand ‘N Stuff”)
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 lb. ground beef (can substitute chicken)
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 oz. packet taco seasoning
• 10 oz. diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• ¼ cup beef broth (or chicken broth/water)
• 1 tablespoon softened cream cheese (optional)
• 1 ¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Toppings:

• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced avocado or guacamole

Instructions

1. Prepare Black Beans:
   Drain and rinse black beans well. Lay them on a paper towel-lined plate to dry.
2. Preheat Oven and Prep Taco Shells:
   Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange taco shells standing upright along a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Bake for 5 minutes if using a light-colored dish, or 3 minutes for a dark-colored dish.
3. Cook Beef Mixture:
   In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onions until browned and softened, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease.
4. Add Seasonings and Simmer:
   Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes (with juice), and beef broth. Bring to a boil, reduce for 1-2 minutes, then simmer. Mix in softened cream cheese until melted and combined. Most of the liquid should evaporate, leaving a moist mixture.
5. Assemble Tacos:
   Spoon black beans evenly into the bottom of each taco shell. Top with the beef mixture.
6. Add Cheese and Bake:
   Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each taco. Bake uncovered for 7-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve:
   Remove from oven and add your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, lettuce, or avocado. Serve immediately.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy baked tacos that are perfect for weeknight meals.
• Crispy shells filled with seasoned beef and beans, topped with melted cheese.
• Versatile with options for chicken substitution and customizable toppings.
• Crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

Tips

• Use “Stand ‘N Stuff” shells for easy filling and serving.
• Don’t skip drying the beans to avoid soggy shells.
• Adjust seasoning to your preferred spice level.
• Warm the taco shells before filling for extra crispness.

Variations and Substitutions

• Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey.
• Use refried beans instead of black beans for a creamier texture.
• Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend.
• Add corn or diced bell peppers to the beef mixture for extra veggies.

FAQs

Q: Can I prepare these ahead of time?
A: Yes, cook the beef mixture and assemble tacos, then refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Q: Can I freeze baked tacos?
A: It’s best to freeze the beef mixture separately and bake fresh shells to keep them crisp.

Q: How do I keep taco shells crispy?
A: Avoid adding too much liquid and bake shells briefly before filling.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side.
• Pair with Mexican rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Offer sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.

Additional Ideas

• Top with fresh cilantro or green onions for color and flavor.
• Add a squeeze of lime for brightness before serving.
• Use tortilla chips as a crunchy side to complement the tacos.

---