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- 12 taco shells - 1 lb ground turkey or beef - 1 packet taco seasoning - 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn, frozen or canned - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend) - 1 cup salsa - ½ cup sour cream - 1 avocado, diced - Fresh cilantro for garnish Baked tacos are a fun and easy meal. You need a mix of key ingredients. Start with taco shells to hold everything together. Choose either ground turkey or beef for the filling. Grab a packet of taco seasoning to add flavor. Next, you can add black beans and corn for extra texture. Diced onion adds sweetness and crunch. Don’t forget shredded cheese. It melts perfectly over the hot tacos. For toppings, salsa brings a zesty kick. Sour cream adds creaminess. Diced avocado gives a fresh taste, and cilantro brightens everything. Each bite bursts with flavors! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps the tacos cook evenly. 2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until it is soft. This takes about 3-4 minutes. 1. Add 1 pound of ground turkey or beef to the skillet. Cook it until it is browned. Use a spoon to break it apart. This should take about 5-7 minutes. 2. Stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning, 1 cup of black beans, and 1 cup of corn. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is hot. 1. Spoon the meat mixture evenly into 12 taco shells. Place them in a baking dish. 2. Top each taco with 1 cup of salsa and 1 cup of shredded cheese. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes. The cheese should melt, and the shells should be crispy. 4. After baking, remove the tacos. Top each one with diced avocado and a dollop of sour cream. 5. Garnish with fresh cilantro for extra flavor. How to avoid soggy shells To keep your taco shells crispy, bake them for a few minutes before filling. This step warms the shells and makes them less soggy. Also, avoid overloading them with wet ingredients like salsa. Instead, keep it light and use salsa as a topping. Ensuring the meat is well-seasoned Season your meat well to boost flavor. Mix taco seasoning into the ground turkey or beef as it cooks. Don’t forget to taste as you go! A pinch of salt and pepper can make a big difference. If you want more kick, add a dash of chili powder. Pairing with sides Baked tacos shine when paired with fresh sides. Consider a simple salad or some guacamole. You could also serve rice or chips for extra crunch. These sides balance the meal and add variety. Presentation ideas Make your tacos pop on the plate! Arrange them upright in a dish to show off the toppings. Use bright ingredients like diced avocado and fresh cilantro to add color. A sprinkle of cheese on top gives a nice final touch. Preparing ingredients in advance You can save time by prepping ahead. Chop onions and dice avocado a few hours before cooking. Cook the meat and mix in the beans and corn one day ahead. Store everything in separate containers. Quick reheating tips If you have leftovers, reheating is easy. Warm them in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This keeps them crispy. You can also use a microwave, but the shells may lose their crunch. If you use the microwave, heat them for 30 seconds. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality meat can elevate the flavor of your tacos significantly. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like jalapeños, olives, or hot sauce for extra flavor and spice. Check for Crispiness: Keep an eye on the tacos in the oven to ensure they don’t over-bake and become too hard. Serve Immediately: Tacos are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the shells are crispy and the cheese is gooey. {{image_2}} You can easily make baked tacos vegetarian. Start by replacing meat with plant-based ingredients. Use lentils, chickpeas, or a meat substitute. These options add great texture and protein. Next, add extra vegetables. Chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or corn can boost flavor and nutrition. Mix these veggies with your seasoning for a tasty filling. For a low-carb twist, try using lettuce wraps. Instead of taco shells, use large lettuce leaves. They hold the filling well and add a fresh crunch. You can also modify your toppings. Skip the high-carb items like sour cream. Instead, use avocado or salsa for flavor without the carbs. To make your tacos pop, add spices. Cumin, paprika, or chili powder can elevate the taste. Experiment with amounts to find your favorite mix. Using different types of cheese also enhances flavor. Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or a blend for variety. Each cheese adds its own unique taste to the dish. To keep your baked tacos fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a layer of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Refrigerate them right after eating. Baked tacos last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Freezing baked tacos is simple and quick. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each taco tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped tacos in a freezer bag. Mark the bag with the date. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, unwrap and place the tacos in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Leftover baked tacos can be fun to reinvent! Try chopping them up for a taco salad. Mix the filling into scrambled eggs for a tasty breakfast. You can also blend the flavors into a quesadilla. Just add cheese and grill until crispy. These ideas refresh the meal and reduce waste. It takes 10 to 15 minutes to bake tacos. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake until the cheese melts and the shells are crispy. Yes, you can use different types of beans. Pinto beans or kidney beans work well. Just drain and rinse them first. This change adds different flavors and textures. The best toppings include salsa, sour cream, and diced avocado. Fresh cilantro adds a nice touch. You can also try jalapeños or chopped green onions for extra flavor. Baked tacos can be gluten-free. Use gluten-free taco shells. Make sure the taco seasoning does not contain gluten. Most beans and toppings are gluten-free as well. Yes, you can make baked tacos spicy. Add hot sauce to the meat mixture. You can also use spicy salsa or add jalapeños on top. Adjust the spice to fit your taste! You learned how to make delicious baked tacos using simple steps and ingredients. From preparing the meat to perfecting toppings, you now have all the skills. Remember to try different variations, like vegetarian or low-carb options. Storing leftovers correctly can save time later, and there are fun ways to reinvent them. Enjoy your taco nights with friends and family, and don’t be afraid to experiment! Tacos can bring joy and flavor to any meal.

Baked Taco Fiesta

A delicious and easy baked taco recipe filled with savory meat, beans, and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 pieces taco shells
  • 1 lb ground turkey or beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend)
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 1 piece avocado, diced
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro for garnish
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Add the ground turkey or beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  • Spoon the savory meat mixture evenly into the taco shells, then place them in a baking dish.
  • Top each taco with a generous spoonful of salsa and a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the shells are slightly crispy.
  • Remove from the oven, and top each taco with diced avocado and a dollop of sour cream.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

Feel free to customize toppings based on your preference.
Keyword baked, fiesta, taco