Sometimes you just need a little cheesy goodness in your life, right? These oven-baked tacos, with their melty cheese and crispy shells, are like a warm hug on a rainy day. I mean, who knew that a simple taco could turn your ordinary Tuesday into a fiesta?
Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, then add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they are golden brown.
- Introduce your choice of ground meat to the pan, making sure to break it into smaller pieces, and cook for 3-5 minutes before draining any excess fat.
- Mix in the chopped green chiles and spices, cooking until everything is well combined and fragrant.
- Take the pan off the heat and mix in freshly chopped cilantro and lime juice for added freshness.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the tortillas on the baking sheet, spreading a layer of warmed refried beans on one half, then topping with the cooked meat and cheese.
- Fold each tortilla over to seal, and if needed, repeat with the remaining tortillas, noting that ingredients may vary based on tortilla size.
- Lightly drizzle or spray oil on top of the folded tortillas and bake until they are crispy and golden, approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Serve the tacos warm, garnished with your preferred toppings such as guacamole, salsa, or sour cream.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
- 1 pound of ground meat (chicken, turkey, or beef)
- 1/2 sweet onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4.5-ounce can of chopped green chiles
- 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lime, freshly squeezed
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend)
- 1/3 cup of warmed refried beans
- 8 flour tortillas (room temperature or warmed)
FAQ
- What toppings pair well with these crispy baked tacos?
- You can enhance these tacos with a variety of toppings such as chunky guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or even a cheesy queso dip.
- Are these tacos still good when reheated?
- While these tacos are best enjoyed straight from the oven for maximum crispiness, you can reheat leftovers on the stovetop or in the oven. Avoid using the microwave as it tends to make them soggy.
- Is it possible to prepare these tacos in advance?
- You can prepare the taco meat ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and bake the tacos just before serving to maintain their crisp texture.
- What type of meat is recommended for this recipe?
- This recipe is versatile and works well with any ground meat, such as turkey, chicken, or beef.
- Are these tacos suitable for children, and are they spicy?
- These tacos are generally mild and kid-friendly. For those who prefer a spicier version, consider adding diced jalapeños to the meat or serving with hot sauce.
Tips
- To ensure maximum crispiness, consume the tacos fresh from the oven. If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop rather than using a microwave, which can make them soggy.
- Prepare the taco meat in advance to save time. However, assemble and bake the tacos just before serving to maintain their crispy texture.
- Customize the spice level by adding diced jalapeños to the meat while cooking or drizzling hot sauce over the tacos if you prefer a spicier flavor.
- For added flavor, consider using freshly squeezed lime juice and your preferred blend of Mexican or cheddar cheese.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – If you don’t have a suitable skillet for browning meat and cooking onions and garlic.
- Baking Sheet – For baking the tacos in the oven.
- Parchment Paper – To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
