My family are self-confessed foodies, but let’s be honest, sometimes the simplest meals are the biggest hits. Burgers and tacos are staples in our house, and when I stumbled upon this Baked Cheeseburger Tacos recipe, I knew it was a match made in culinary heaven. The idea of combining the juicy, savory goodness of a cheeseburger with the fun, customizable nature of tacos? Genius! And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. From the first bite, these tacos were a resounding success. The crispy taco shells filled with flavorful beef and melted cheese, topped with all our favorite burger fixings, were absolutely irresistible. Even my pickiest eater devoured them! What’s even better is how incredibly easy and quick this recipe is to make. Perfect for busy weeknights, these Baked Cheeseburger Tacos are now a regular feature in our dinner rotation. If you’re looking for a fun, crowd-pleasing meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes, look no further. These tacos are about to become your new family favorite too!

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the ability to customize it to your family’s preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses, toppings, and sauces to truly make it your own!

1 pound ground beef (454 g): Ground beef is the heart of our cheeseburger filling. For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken. We prefer using 80/20 ground beef for optimal flavor and juiciness, as a little bit of fat renders down and adds richness to the filling. However, if you prefer a leaner option, 90/10 ground beef works well too, just be mindful that it might be slightly drier, so you might want to add a touch more ketchup or mustard for moisture. For a vegetarian alternative, consider using plant-based ground beef substitutes, which are readily available in most supermarkets.
1 small onion, finely chopped: Onion adds a subtle sweetness and savory depth to the beef mixture. Finely chopping ensures that the onion cooks through evenly and blends seamlessly into the filling without overpowering the other flavors. You can use yellow, white, or even sweet onion depending on your preference. If you’re not a fan of raw onion texture, cooking the onion with the ground beef until softened will mellow its flavor and make it more palatable.
2 tablespoons ketchup: Ketchup provides a classic burger flavor and a touch of sweetness and tanginess. It also helps to bind the beef mixture together slightly. Feel free to use your favorite brand of ketchup. For a richer, more complex flavor, you could even use a gourmet or artisanal ketchup. If you’re watching your sugar intake, there are also reduced-sugar ketchup options available.
1 tablespoon yellow mustard: Yellow mustard adds a signature tangy and slightly sharp flavor that is essential to the cheeseburger profile. It complements the sweetness of the ketchup and balances the richness of the ground beef. Again, use your preferred brand of yellow mustard. For a slightly different flavor profile, you could experiment with Dijon mustard or even spicy brown mustard for a bit of a kick.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients. Salt enhances the savory notes, while black pepper adds a touch of warmth and complexity. Always season to taste, starting with a smaller amount and gradually adding more until you reach your desired level of seasoning. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its brighter and more aromatic flavor compared to pre-ground pepper.
10–12 crunchy hard taco shells: Hard taco shells provide the perfect crispy vessel for our cheeseburger filling. You can find these readily available in any grocery store. Look for sturdy shells that won’t break easily during baking. For a slightly different texture, you could also use stand-and-stuff taco shells, which are wider and easier to fill. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try making your own hard taco shells from corn tortillas, although this will add extra time to the preparation.
1 ½ – 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or just measure with your heart): Cheddar cheese is the classic cheeseburger cheese and melts beautifully, creating that gooey, cheesy goodness we all crave. Shredded cheese is convenient and melts evenly. You can use mild, medium, or sharp cheddar depending on your preference for cheese intensity. For a different flavor profile, consider using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice. As the recipe suggests, you can measure with your heart – if you love cheese, don’t be shy!
Toppings: The toppings are where you can truly customize these tacos to your family’s liking. Think of all your favorite burger toppings and get creative!
- Shredded lettuce: Adds a refreshing crunch and coolness to balance the richness of the cheeseburger filling. Iceberg lettuce is classic for burgers, but romaine or butter lettuce would also work well.
- Chopped dill or sweet pickles: Pickles provide a tangy, briny, and slightly sweet contrast that is essential to the cheeseburger flavor profile. Dill pickles are traditional, but sweet pickles offer a different kind of sweetness that some might prefer. You can use either or even a combination of both!
- Chopped white or sweet onions: Raw onions add a sharp, pungent bite. White onions are more traditional for burgers, while sweet onions are milder and less pungent. You can use either, or even caramelized onions for a sweeter and more mellow flavor.
- Chopped tomatoes: Tomatoes add juiciness, acidity, and a touch of sweetness. Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best results. Roma tomatoes or cherry tomatoes are good options.
- Burger sauce (or toppings of your choice): Burger sauce is the perfect finishing touch, adding creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet notes that tie all the flavors together. But feel free to get creative and use any of your favorite burger condiments!
For the burger sauce: This simple homemade burger sauce is incredibly easy to make and tastes so much better than store-bought versions.
- 1/2 cup mayo: Mayonnaise forms the creamy base of the burger sauce. Use your favorite brand of mayonnaise. For a lighter option, you can use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, although the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: Ketchup adds sweetness, tanginess, and that classic burger sauce flavor.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons yellow mustard: Yellow mustard adds tang and a bit of sharpness to the sauce. Adjust the amount to your preference – start with 1 tablespoon and add more if you want a stronger mustard flavor.

Instructions

These Baked Cheeseburger Tacos are incredibly easy to make in just a few simple steps. The entire process, from prep to table, takes only about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.

Preheat oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the oven is at the correct temperature when you are ready to bake the tacos, allowing them to crisp up properly and the cheese to melt evenly. Preheating is a crucial step for achieving the best results when baking.
Cook ground beef mixture: While the oven is preheating, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. This is the perfect temperature for browning the ground beef without burning it. Add the ground beef and chopped onion to the hot skillet. Cook until the ground beef is browned, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Breaking up the meat ensures that it cooks evenly and prevents large clumps from forming. Continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are softened and translucent. Drain off any excess fat from the skillet. Draining the fat is important to prevent the tacos from becoming greasy. You can tilt the skillet and use a spoon to remove the excess fat, or carefully drain it into a heat-safe container. Return the skillet to the heat and stir in the ketchup and mustard. These ingredients add flavor and moisture to the beef mixture. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it away!
Assemble tacos for baking: Arrange the taco shells standing up in a 9×13 inch baking dish. A 9×13 inch baking dish is the ideal size to hold 10-12 tacos standing upright. Baking the taco shells by themselves for a few minutes before filling them helps them to crisp up even further and prevents them from becoming soggy from the filling. Bake the empty taco shells for 5 minutes to allow them to crisp up. Remove the baking dish from the oven. Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese in the bottom of each taco shell. This layer of cheese at the bottom creates a cheesy barrier that helps to prevent the taco shells from becoming soggy from the beef mixture and adds extra cheesy flavor. Divide the beef mixture evenly among the taco shells, filling each shell generously but not overfilling, as this could cause them to become unstable and tip over. Top with the remaining shredded cheese. The cheese on top will melt and create a delicious cheesy crust.
Bake: Return the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the taco shells are lightly browned and crispy. Keep an eye on the tacos during baking to prevent the taco shells from burning. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the type of taco shells you use.
Prepare burger sauce and toppings: While the tacos are baking, prepare the burger sauce and chop up your desired toppings. This efficient use of time ensures that everything is ready to go when the tacos come out of the oven. To make the burger sauce, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard in a small bowl until well combined. Taste and adjust the mustard to your preference. Chop up your chosen toppings, such as shredded lettuce, pickles, onions, and tomatoes. Have all the toppings ready to go so you can assemble the tacos quickly once they are baked.
Add toppings and serve: Remove the baked cheeseburger tacos from the oven and serve immediately. Promptly serving the tacos ensures they are enjoyed while the taco shells are still crispy and the cheese is melted and gooey. Top each taco with your favorite burger toppings and a generous drizzle of the burger sauce. Encourage everyone to customize their tacos with their preferred toppings. Enjoy these delicious and fun Baked Cheeseburger Tacos!

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate)

Servings: 10-12 tacos
Calories per serving (approximate): Around 350-400 calories (This is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and toppings. Adding more cheese, sauce, or toppings will increase the calorie count.)

Please Note: These are estimated nutrition facts. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and portion sizes. For accurate nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator and input the exact ingredients and quantities you use.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

These Baked Cheeseburger Tacos are truly a weeknight wonder! With just 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in just half an hour. This makes it a perfect option for busy families and anyone looking for a quick and easy dinner solution.

How to Serve

These Baked Cheeseburger Tacos are a complete meal in themselves, but you can easily create a fun and festive taco night by adding some delicious sides and serving suggestions.

Classic Burger Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar with all your favorite burger fixings. This allows everyone to customize their tacos exactly to their liking and adds an interactive element to dinner. Consider offering:
- Shredded lettuce (iceberg, romaine, butter lettuce)
- Chopped tomatoes (Roma, cherry, beefsteak)
- Diced white or sweet onions
- Sliced pickles (dill, sweet, bread and butter)
- Pickled jalapenos (for those who like a little spice)
- Avocado slices or guacamole
- Crispy fried onions
- Bacon bits (cooked and crumbled)
- Various sauces (burger sauce, ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, hot sauce)
Side Dishes to Complement Your Tacos: While the tacos are the star of the show, adding a few simple side dishes can round out the meal and make it even more satisfying.
- Classic French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: What’s a burger without fries? Serve a side of crispy french fries or sweet potato fries for a truly burger-inspired experience.
- Onion Rings: Another classic burger side, onion rings add a delicious crispy and savory element.
- Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw provides a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the rich tacos.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a simple and summery side dish that pairs perfectly with tacos.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a healthy and refreshing counterpoint to the heavier tacos.
- Tortilla Chips and Salsa or Guacamole: If you want to lean further into the taco theme, serve tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole as a starter or side dish.
Drinks: Pair your Baked Cheeseburger Tacos with refreshing beverages to complete the meal.
- Soda or Iced Tea: Classic burger and taco drink pairings.
- Lemonade or Flavored Water: Refreshing and light options.
- Mexican Beer or Margaritas: For a more festive adult beverage option.
- Milkshakes or Root Beer Floats: For a truly indulgent and fun treat, especially for kids.

Additional Tips for Perfect Baked Cheeseburger Tacos

Here are 5 helpful tips to ensure your Baked Cheeseburger Tacos are a resounding success every time:

Crisp Those Taco Shells: Don’t skip the step of baking the empty taco shells for 5 minutes before filling them. This crucial step significantly enhances the texture of the tacos, ensuring they are wonderfully crispy and hold their shape without becoming soggy from the filling. Pre-baking creates a sturdier base and contributes to the overall enjoyable eating experience.
Don’t Overfill the Taco Shells: While it’s tempting to load up each taco shell with a mountain of filling, resist the urge! Overfilling can make the tacos unstable, causing them to tip over and making them difficult to eat. It can also lead to uneven baking and potentially soggy shells. Fill each shell generously but leave a little room at the top to prevent spillage.
Warm Up Your Toppings (Optional): If you prefer warmer toppings, you can lightly sauté your onions or tomatoes before adding them to the tacos. This is especially nice in colder months or if you simply prefer the flavor of cooked onions and tomatoes. However, traditional burger toppings are typically served cold, so this step is entirely optional and depends on your personal preference.
Customize Your Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheese varieties or blends to create your own unique flavor profile. Try Monterey Jack for a milder melt, Pepper Jack for a spicy kick, or a blend of cheddar and Colby Jack for a richer flavor. You can also use pre-shredded Mexican cheese blends for a more taco-inspired twist.
Make-Ahead Tip (Beef Filling): To save time on busy weeknights, you can prepare the ground beef mixture ahead of time. Cook the beef mixture as instructed, drain off the excess fat, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to make the tacos, simply reheat the beef mixture in a skillet or microwave before assembling and baking the tacos. This make-ahead tip significantly reduces the prep time on the day you plan to serve the tacos.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Ingredients Focus

Here are 5 frequently asked questions specifically related to the ingredients in Baked Cheeseburger Tacos:

Q1: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent leaner alternatives to ground beef. They will provide a similar texture and flavor profile while being lower in fat. Just be sure to cook ground turkey or chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. You might also find that ground turkey or chicken is slightly drier than ground beef, so you may want to add an extra tablespoon of ketchup or mustard to the mixture for added moisture.

Q2: Can I use soft taco shells instead of hard taco shells?

A: While this recipe is specifically designed for hard taco shells for their crispy texture and ability to stand upright for baking, you can technically use soft taco shells if you prefer. However, the baking time will need to be adjusted, and soft taco shells will not achieve the same crispy texture. If using soft taco shells, you may want to skip the pre-baking step and simply assemble the tacos and bake for a shorter time, just until the cheese is melted. Keep in mind that soft taco shells may become slightly soggy from the filling.

Q3: What is the best type of onion to use in this recipe?

A: The recipe calls for a small onion, and you can use yellow, white, or sweet onion depending on your preference. Yellow onions are the most common and versatile, offering a good balance of flavor. White onions have a sharper, more pungent flavor. Sweet onions, like Vidalia or Walla Walla, are milder and sweeter. Any of these will work well. If you are sensitive to the sharp flavor of raw onion, you can sauté the chopped onion with the ground beef until it softens and becomes translucent, which will mellow its flavor.

Q4: Can I use different types of cheese besides cheddar?

A: Definitely! Cheddar cheese is a classic cheeseburger cheese and melts beautifully, but you can absolutely experiment with other types of cheese to customize the flavor. Monterey Jack is a mild and melty option. Colby Jack is a good all-purpose cheese with a slightly milder flavor than cheddar. Pepper Jack will add a spicy kick. A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack or Colby Jack would also be delicious. You can even try using provolone or mozzarella for a different cheese pull effect.

Q5: Can I make the burger sauce ahead of time and how long does it last?

A: Yes, you can absolutely make the burger sauce ahead of time! In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to meld together even more. Store the burger sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This is a great way to get a head start on your meal prep. When you are ready to serve, simply give the sauce a quick stir and it’s ready to go.