Baked Chipotle Beef and Melted Cheese Tacos Recipe
Introduction
These Baked Chipotle Beef and Melted Cheese Tacos are a delicious twist on classic tacos, featuring a smoky chipotle sauce and gooey melted cheese. Perfectly seasoned ground beef and baked tortillas create a satisfyingly crispy and flavorful meal that’s sure to impress at any dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 can red enchilada sauce
- 1/4 cup canned chipotle chilies in adobo
- 2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2-3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef or chicken
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 2-3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 16-20 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
- Limes, cilantro, avocado, and grilled corn for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: To make the chipotle sauce, combine the enchilada sauce, chipotle chilies, dried oregano, apple cider vinegar in a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour the sauce into a skillet over medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick and butter. Fill the empty enchilada can with water and pour it into the sauce. Simmer on medium-low heat until combined and steaming. Season with salt to taste.
- Step 2: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Step 3: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or chicken with the sliced onion and taco seasoning, breaking up the meat as it cooks until browned, about 10 minutes. Add 3/4 cup water, reduce heat to medium, and simmer until the sauce thickens around the meat, about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Dip each corn tortilla into the chipotle sauce, coating both sides. Place the dipped tortillas on a baking sheet. Add a small handful of shredded Mexican cheese on one half of each tortilla, spoon the meat mixture over the cheese, then sprinkle more cheese on top. Fold the tortillas in half, pressing to close.
- Step 5: Bake the tacos for 10 minutes, then flip each taco and bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
- Step 6: Serve with lime wedges, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and extra chipotle sauce for dipping. Grilled corn makes a great side if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the chipotle sauce.
- Swap ground beef for shredded chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
- If you prefer softer tacos, skip the baking step or bake for less time.
- Use flour tortillas if corn tortillas are not available, but corn adds more authentic flavor.
Storage
Store leftover baked tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until heated through to keep the tortillas crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the tortillas soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the chipotle sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the chipotle sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before using to dip the tortillas.
What if I don’t have canned chipotle chilies?
If you don’t have canned chipotle chilies in adobo, you can substitute with chipotle powder or smoked paprika for a milder smoky flavor. Adjust the quantity to taste.
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Baked Chipotle Beef and Melted Cheese Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16–20 tacos 1x
Description
These Baked Chipotle Beef and Melted Cheese Tacos combine smoky chipotle-infused enchilada sauce with seasoned ground beef and melted Mexican cheeses. The tortillas are dipped in a flavorful chipotle sauce, filled with a savory beef mixture, then baked until perfectly crispy and gooey. Served with fresh lime, cilantro, avocado, and optional grilled corn, these tacos are a deliciously bold and comforting meal perfect for taco nights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Chipotle Sauce
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1/4 cup canned chipotle chilies in adobo
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2–3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 enchilada can of water (approximately 10 oz)
Beef and Tacos
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef or chicken
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 2–3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 3/4 cup water
- 16–20 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For Serving
- Limes, for squeezing
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Avocado slices
- Grilled corn (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Chipotle Sauce: Combine the red enchilada sauce, chipotle chilies in adobo, dried oregano, apple cider vinegar in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the sauce into a skillet over medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick and butter. Fill the empty enchilada can with water and add it to the skillet. Let the sauce simmer over medium-low heat until well combined and steaming. Season with salt as needed.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the tacos.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or chicken with sliced onion and taco seasoning, breaking the meat up as it cooks, for about 10 minutes until browned. Add 3/4 cup water, reduce heat to medium, and simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the meat, about 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Tacos: Dip each corn tortilla into the warmed chipotle sauce, coating both sides thoroughly. Place the coated tortillas on a baking sheet. Add a small handful of shredded Mexican cheese to one half of each tortilla, spoon some of the beef mixture on top, then sprinkle with more cheese. Fold each tortilla in half and press gently to seal.
- Bake the Tacos: Place the baking sheet with assembled tacos in the preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes, then carefully flip each taco and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the tortillas are crispy and cheeses are melted.
- Serve: Serve the baked chipotle beef tacos hot, garnished with a squeeze of fresh lime, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and optional grilled corn on the side. Provide extra chipotle sauce for dipping if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground beef or turkey based on preference.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chipotle chilies used in the sauce.
- Use fresh corn tortillas for best results when baking to avoid excess dryness.
- These tacos can be made ahead and reheated in the oven to maintain their crispy texture.
- Adding grilled corn as a side adds a nice smoky complement to the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: chipotle beef tacos, baked tacos, Mexican cheese tacos, enchilada sauce, spicy tacos, ground beef tacos, cheese melted tacos
