Print

Baked Chipotle Beef and Melted Cheese Tacos Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 14 reviews

These Baked Chipotle Beef and Melted Cheese Tacos combine smoky, spicy chipotle sauce with seasoned ground beef, melted Mexican cheese, and crispy baked corn tortillas. Perfectly baked for a crispy exterior and gooey cheese interior, these tacos offer a flavorful twist on a classic favorite, served with fresh lime, cilantro, avocado, and optional grilled corn for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Chipotle Sauce

  • 1 can (approx. 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 filled with water (about 10 oz)

Beef Mixture

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef or chicken
  • 1 yellow onion, sliced
  • 2–3 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 3/4 cup water

Tacos and Garnishes

  • 16–20 corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Limes, for serving
  • Cilantro, for serving
  • Avocado, sliced, for serving
  • Grilled corn (optional), for serving

Instructions

  1. Make the Chipotle Sauce: Combine the red enchilada sauce, canned chipotle chilies in adobo, dried oregano, and apple cider vinegar in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the sauce into a skillet over medium heat, then add the cinnamon stick and salted butter. Fill the empty enchilada can with water and add it to the skillet. Simmer over medium-low heat until the sauce is combined and steaming. Season with salt as needed.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425° F (220° C) to prepare for baking the tacos.
  3. Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or chicken) with 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 and coats the meat, approximately 5 minutes.
  4. Assemble the Tacos: Dip each corn tortilla into the warm chipotle sauce, coating both sides thoroughly. Place the dipped tortillas on a baking sheet. On one half of each tortilla, sprinkle a small handful of shredded Mexican cheese, spoon over the cooked meat mixture, and add a little more cheese on top. Fold the tortillas in half and press gently to close.
  5. Bake the Tacos: Bake the assembled tacos in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Then flip each taco carefully and bake for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the tortillas to crisp up.
  6. Serve: Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, and additional chipotle sauce for dipping. Optionally, accompany with grilled corn for a full meal experience.

Notes

  • Ground chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef.
  • Adjust chipotle chilies according to your preferred spice level.
  • Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
  • Make sure to dip tortillas fully in the chipotle sauce for maximum flavor infusion.
  • Grilling the corn adds a smoky touch that’s a great complement to the tacos.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/baked-chipotle-beef-and-melted-cheese-tacos-recipe/