You know that feeling when you crave a hearty, comforting meal, but you don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? That's where oven-baked tacos come in! These little bundles of joy are perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or even a fun weekend lunch. They are incredibly customizable, letting you toss in your favorite fillings and toppings, and the oven does most of the work, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the company (or your favorite show!). So put on your apron, grab some tortillas, and get ready to dive into the world of oven-baked taco deliciousness!

Oven-Baked Tacos: A Deliciously Easy and Customizable Meal

INGREDIENTS

For the Tacos:

• 12 corn tortillas


• 1 pound ground beef, turkey, or chicken


• 1 onion, chopped


• 1 green bell pepper, chopped


• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed


• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained


• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning


• 1/2 teaspoon salt


• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper


• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the Toppings (optional):

• Sour cream or crema fresca


• Guacamole


• Pico de gallo


• Salsa


• Chopped cilantro


• Chopped red onion


• Shredded lettuce

DIRECTIONS

Prepare the Filling:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).


2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken). Drain any excess fat.


3. Add the chopped onion and green pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.


4. Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Assemble the Tacos:

1. Spread the meat mixture evenly among the tortillas. You can use a spoon or your hands!


2. Place the tortillas in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.


3. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of each taco.

Bake and Serve:

1. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.


2. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.


3. Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up! Add a pinch of chili powder, cayenne pepper, or jalapeno peppers to the taco filling for a kick.


• Go vegetarian! Replace the ground meat with crumbled tofu, black beans, or lentils.


• Get creative with toppings! Don't be afraid to experiment with different toppings like shredded cabbage, roasted corn, or pickled onions.


• Use a different cheese! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or queso fresco all work great in oven-baked tacos.


• Make it a party! Oven-baked tacos are perfect for a crowd. Double or triple the recipe for a big gathering.

Now you are ready to create a delicious and easy meal that will please everyone! So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy a fiesta in your own kitchen. Happy cooking!