If you’re on the hunt for a uniquely comforting and flavor-packed meal, look no further than this Chili Cheese Baked Beef Tacos Recipe. Imagine tender, savory ground beef mingled with aromatic onions and mild spices, folded into soft flour tortillas and topped with rich, melty cheddar cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection. This dish strikes the perfect balance between hearty and cheesy, making every bite irresistibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, these tacos bring a delightful twist on classic taco night that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several ingredients laid out on a white marbled surface. On the left, there is a white plate with a large square of raw ground meat resting on brown parchment paper. Above it, a white bowl is filled with shredded orange cheese. To the right, two open cans hold thick red chili with beans. Below these, a wooden round board holds a partially chopped white onion, with onion pieces scattered and an unpeeled half onion beside a small knife with a light brown handle. Near the bottom, a white plate has three soft flour tortillas stacked on top of one another. Next to the tortillas, a small white dish contains a heap of light beige powder. Two silver spoons rest beside the dish and a light wooden pepper grinder with a knob is placed near the top left corner. A light towel with black stripes is laid under the cutting board on the right side. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple ingredients come together in this recipe to create layers of flavor, texture, and color that elevate these tacos from ordinary to extraordinary. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s adding savory depth, creamy cheeseiness, or that perfect foldable base to hold it all.

1 Pound Ground Beef: The rich and juicy backbone of this taco filling, providing hearty protein and satisfying texture.
1 Small Yellow Onion (finely diced): Adds a touch of sweetness and crunch, balancing the meat’s earthiness perfectly.
1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder: Infuses a warm, subtle garlic flavor that builds savory complexity without overpowering.
½ Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper: Brings a mild heat and aromatics that brighten the overall taste.
2 Cans Chili (I used Amy’s Medium Vegetarian chili): This ingredient introduces a saucy, spicy layer that binds the beef and cheese together deliciously.
1 ¼ Cups Cheddar Cheese (finely grated): The star cheese that melts into gooey perfection, adding creamy sharpness and golden color.
8 Flour Tortillas (taco or fajita size): Soft, pliable, and sturdy enough to hold all that goodness without falling apart.

How to Make Chili Cheese Baked Beef Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This step sets you up for a perfectly baked finish. While the oven warms, grab a large skillet and get it heating over medium heat. This is where your ground beef will begin its transformation into something magical.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Once the skillet is hot, add the ground beef and let it cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes. This initial browning forms a flavorful crust that deepens the overall taste. Stir and break up the beef occasionally until it turns a rich brown color.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Seasonings

Next, introduce the finely diced yellow onions, garlic powder, and black pepper into the skillet. Sauté them alongside the beef for another 3-4 minutes. This softens the onions while allowing the spices to blossom and integrate, creating a wonderfully fragrant base.

Step 4: Add the Chili and Cheese

Now comes the luscious part: stir in the canned chili and half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This step melds the beef and chili together, while the cheese melts into the mixture, giving it a rich, creamy texture that will make these tacos unforgettable.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. Spoon a generous amount of the chili-beef mixture onto each flour tortilla. Then sprinkle an additional 1-2 tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese on top, ensuring a cheesy crust once baked.

Step 6: Fold and Prepare for Baking

Carefully fold each tortilla closed, sealing in all that cheesy, meaty goodness. Arrange the folded tacos seam side down on your prepared baking sheet. For extra crispness, lightly spray the tops with your preferred cooking spray.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12 minutes. Then, switch your oven to broil for 2 more minutes to achieve a beautifully golden and slightly crispy top. Watch closely during broiling to avoid any burning and to capture that perfect finish.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Now, these Chili Cheese Baked Beef Tacos Recipe are ready to be enjoyed hot and fresh!

How to Serve Chili Cheese Baked Beef Tacos Recipe

A large black skillet with two green handles holds a thick, chunky chili made of red kidney beans and browned ground meat mixed with small pieces of onion, all cooked in a rich, dark reddish-brown sauce. The chili fills the skillet, with shredded bright orange cheddar cheese scattered over the right half. A wooden spoon is scooping a portion of chili from the left side of the pan. Around the pan, there are small white bowls filled with more shredded cheddar cheese and light brown spices, along with some white flour tortillas resting on a white marbled surface under a beige cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream can bring vibrant freshness and extra layers of texture to your tacos. A squeeze of lime juice also works wonders to brighten the rich flavors and balance the cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

The perfect companions to these tacos are simple and flavorful sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a zesty corn salad. These sides complement the chili and beef without overpowering, making each meal balanced and hearty.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, serve these baked beef tacos in mini cast iron skillets or on a rustic wooden board alongside colorful bowls of salsa, guacamole, and pickled jalapeños. Not only does it look inviting, but it also encourages diners to customize their own taco experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers from the Chili Cheese Baked Beef Tacos Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them a satisfying option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze these tacos if you want to prepare ahead or save some for later. Wrap each taco individually in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, preserving that cheesy, meaty goodness until you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Reheating

To reheat, place the tacos on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the texture won’t be quite as crispy and delicious as when baked.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas will add a slightly different flavor and texture, and they’re perfect if you prefer a gluten-free option. Just be extra gentle when folding, as corn tortillas tend to be less pliable.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or additional chili beans, and you can still enjoy the same hearty, cheesy indulgence. Using the vegetarian chili as noted keeps the dish packed with flavor.

What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is ideal for its sharp flavor and excellent melting qualities. However, you can also experiment with Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for a slightly different but equally tasty result.

Can I prepare these tacos in advance and bake later?

You can assemble the tacos a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator, then bake and broil right before serving. This is perfect for freeing up time when hosting guests or busy weeknights.

How spicy is this Chili Cheese Baked Beef Tacos Recipe?

The level of spiciness is moderate and mostly comes from the chili you use. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add diced jalapeños or a dash of chili powder to ramp things up.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about the warm, melty goodness packed into these Chili Cheese Baked Beef Tacos Recipe. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. So go on, give it a try—and get ready to fall in love with every cheesy, spicy, beefy bite!

Chili Cheese Baked Beef Tacos Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 9 reviews

Author: Sara
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (2 tacos per serving)

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Description

These Chili Cheese Baked Beef Tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Ground beef is sautéed with onions and spices, mixed with hearty chili and sharp cheddar cheese, then wrapped in tortillas and baked until golden and bubbly. The result is a comforting, cheesy taco with rich flavors and a crispy baked finish.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

1 Pound Ground Beef
1 Small Yellow Onion (finely diced)

Spices and Seasonings

1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
½ Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

Other Ingredients

2 Cans Chili (Medium vegetarian chili recommended, such as Amy’s)
1 ¼ Cups Cheddar Cheese (finely grated)
8 Flour Tortillas (taco or fajita size)
Cooking spray (for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the skillet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). While the oven heats, place a large skillet on the stove over medium heat to warm up.
Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until it starts to brown.
Sauté onions and seasonings: Add the finely diced yellow onion, garlic powder, and ground black pepper to the skillet. Continue sautéing for another 3-4 minutes until the onions soften and the beef is fully browned through.
Combine chili and cheese: Stir in the 2 cans of chili and half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until the filling is well combined. Remove the skillet from heat.
Assemble the tacos: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Fill each flour tortilla with a generous scoop of the chili-beef mixture. Top each filled tortilla with 1 to 2 tablespoons of cheddar cheese.
Prepare for baking: Fold each tortilla closed and arrange them on the baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops of the tortillas with cooking spray to help achieve a crispy texture.
Bake and broil the tacos: Bake the tacos in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. Then, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the tops turn golden brown and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Serve: Remove the tacos from the oven, optionally garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy immediately.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a leaner option.
If you prefer, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
Make sure to watch the tacos carefully during the broil to avoid burning.
Adding chopped fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream can enhance the flavors when serving.
This recipe works well with vegetarian chili for a meatless variation.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Tex-Mex