Oven Baked Tacos

(photo courtesy of blogchef.net)



Several of my friends have raved about doing tacos this way so I thought we would give it a try.  I've never been the biggest fan of a meat taco, but this filling mixture is amazing!  Not only does it combine the meat and beans but I loved adding in my own seasonings rather than a package mix.  I would definitely recommend using the stand and stuff style of taco shells that are flat on the bottom as the cheaper round ones don't line up as well in the pan.  This is a great way to have all the tacos hot and ready so I don't have to be a short order cook and prepare each persons meal one at a time.  We will be making this again soon!  I used this recipe found HERE at blogchef.net.

Ingredients:

2lbs ground beef
4 teaspoons dried minced onion
3 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
2 cups shredded Colby-jack cheese
18-20 hard taco shells
Optional Condiments-
lettuce (shredded)
tomato (diced)
Salsa
Guacamole

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a small bowl combine dried minced onion, chili powder, cornstarch, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Mix well and set aside.


Step 2: In a large skillet brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess liquid. Add refried beans, tomato sauce, and prepared taco seasoning. Mix well.

Step 3: Spoon the taco meat mixture into the taco shells and place into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish, standing up. Sprinkle cheese over the top of the taco meat in each shell. Place into the oven and bake at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the tacos are heated through. Remove from the oven and top with any optional condiments for serving.

(Makes 8-10 Servings)