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These cheesy baked tacos bring together crispy tortillas and gooey melted cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect on busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and an easy oven-baked method, this recipe has become a favorite in my house when we want something flavorful but fuss-free.
Ingredients
- Ground meat: provides hearty protein choose fresh, lean beef or turkey for the best flavor
- Yellow onion: adds sweetness and depth when softened
- Garlic cloves: give a savory punch use fresh for optimal aroma
- Tomato paste: intensifies the meat mixture’s richness look for the thick, concentrated kind
- Taco seasoning: classic Mexican-inspired spices homemade or store-bought works fine
- Water or chicken broth: adds moisture to simmer the filling and blend flavors
- Cheese: finely grated for even melting and a crisp golden topping fresh block cheese is best
- Small tortillas: corn or flour based on preference warming them briefly helps with folding
- Plain Greek yogurt: mixed into lime zest and juice to make a tangy crema topping
- Kosher salt: enhances all the flavors perfectly
- Lime zest and juice: adds brightness and balances richness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sear the Meat:
- Brown one pound of ground meat in a medium to large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until fully cooked and no pink remains. This step builds the foundation for a flavorful filling.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic:
- Add half a cup of finely diced yellow onion to the skillet. Cook until the onions soften and turn translucent, about five minutes. Stir in four minced garlic cloves and cook briefly until fragrant, which should take about 30 seconds.
- Deepen the Flavor:
- Stir in two tablespoons of tomato paste, cooking it in the pan for a couple minutes to bring out its rich, concentrated flavor. This step adds depth to your filling.
- Add Seasoning and Simmer:
- Sprinkle in two tablespoons of taco seasoning and pour in two-thirds cup of water or chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook gently until slightly thickened, letting the flavors meld for around five to eight minutes.
- Prepare the Lime Crema:
- While the filling simmers, mix one cup of plain Greek yogurt with the zest and juice of one lime along with a teaspoon of kosher salt. This refreshing topping will contrast the richness of the tacos beautifully.
- Warm the Tortillas:
- Heat the tortillas briefly in a dry pan or microwave to make them soft and pliable, which makes folding easier and prevents cracking during baking.
- Fill and Fold:
- Spoon the meat mixture evenly onto each tortilla. Fold them carefully and place them seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This helps keep the filling secure as they bake.
- Top with Cheese:
- Generously sprinkle one to two cups of finely grated cheese over the top of each folded taco to create a melty, golden crust once baked.
- Bake and Serve:
- Place the baking sheet in a 425-degree oven and bake until the cheese melts and the tortillas turn crispy and golden, about 15 minutes. Allow them to cool slightly before serving with the lime crema.
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My favorite part is the fresh lime crema. It adds a bright, zesty finish that feels like a little fresh twist on a classic taco. I remember serving these at a casual family get-together where everyone kept reaching for seconds because of that creamy topping.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at a moderate temperature to bring back the crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture from getting soggy.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground beef can be swapped with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For cheese, Monterey Jack or mild cheddar work beautifully if you want a different flavor profile. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option, adjusting the seasoning accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these tacos with a fresh side salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans for a full meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños if you like a bit of heat. The lime crema makes a wonderful dip for chips as well.
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Cultural Context
Baked tacos are a fun twist on traditional soft or hard shell tacos found in Mexican cuisine. Using baking to melt cheese and crisp tortillas combines two favorite textures and flavors in one dish. This method is especially popular for feeding larger groups easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of cheese works best for melting in baked tacos?
Freshly grated cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend melt beautifully, creating a gooey, golden topping with crisp edges when baked.
- → Can I use beef alternatives for the filling?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted and seasoned similarly to maintain a flavorful filling with a lighter profile.
- → How do I keep tortillas from getting soggy during baking?
Briefly warming tortillas beforehand and placing them seam side down on the baking sheet helps maintain structure and encourages crispness.
- → What is the purpose of lime crema in this dish?
Lime crema adds a tangy, cool contrast that complements the rich, savory filling and melted cheese, enhancing overall flavor balance.
- → Is it okay to prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and lime crema in advance, assembling and baking just before serving to preserve texture and freshness.