Oven Baked Tacos Recipe: A Simple and Delicious Meal for Any Occasion

Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the taco shells upright in a 9×13-inch baking dish. You can use foil or a taco holder to keep them standing if needed.
Cook the Meat Mixture:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the taco seasoning and water to the skillet, stirring until the meat is well coated. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies and the refried beans. Mix well and heat until warmed through.
Assemble the Tacos:
- Spoon the meat mixture evenly into each taco shell, filling them about two-thirds full.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top of each taco.
Bake the Tacos:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the taco shells are lightly crispy.
Add Toppings and Serve:
- Remove the tacos from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two.
- Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, black olives, and your favorite toppings. Serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole on the side.

Prevent Soggy Shells: For extra crispiness, bake the taco shells alone for 5 minutes before filling them.
Customize the Filling: Swap out the ground beef for shredded chicken, pork, or a vegetarian option like black beans or lentils.
Cheese Lovers Unite: Add a layer of cheese to the bottom of the taco shells before adding the meat mixture for extra cheesy goodness.
Make it a Meal: Serve these tacos with a side of Spanish rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.