Print

Baked Chipotle Beef and Melted Cheese Tacos Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 22 reviews

These Baked Chipotle Beef and Melted Cheese Tacos feature a rich, smoky chipotle sauce paired with seasoned ground beef and melted Mexican cheeses, all baked to perfection inside corn tortillas. Topped with fresh lime, cilantro, and avocado, these tacos deliver a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Chipotle Sauce

  • 1 can red enchilada sauce (about 10 ounces)
  • 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 ounces)

Main

  • 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 blend
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

To Serve

  • Limes, for squeezing
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Avocado, sliced
  • Grilled corn (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the chipotle sauce: Combine red enchilada sauce, chipotle chilies in adobo, dried oregano, apple cider vinegar, and water (reserved from the enchilada sauce can) in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the sauce into a skillet over medium heat, add the cinnamon stick and butter, then simmer on medium-low until combined and steaming. Season with salt to taste.
  2. Prepare the beef filling: Preheat the oven to 425°F. 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. Continue until the meat is 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.
  3. Assemble the tacos: Dip each corn tortilla into the warm chipotle sauce to coat both sides thoroughly. Place the dipped tortillas on a baking sheet. On one half of each tortilla, sprinkle a small handful of the shredded Mexican cheese, add a spoonful of the meat mixture, and then top with more shredded Mexican and Monterey Jack cheeses. Fold the tortilla over to close the taco.
  4. Bake the tacos: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the tacos for 10 minutes. Carefully flip each taco and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and tortillas are slightly crispy.
  5. Serve and garnish: Remove tacos from the oven and serve immediately with fresh lime wedges, chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, and optional grilled corn on the side. Add extra chipotle sauce for dipping if desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground chicken with ground beef or even turkey depending on your preference.
  • Dipping the tortillas in the chipotle sauce before baking adds moisture and flavor but be careful not to oversoak them to prevent sogginess.
  • For a spicier twist, add extra chipotle peppers or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
  • Leftover tacos can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
  • Adding grilled corn as a side enhances the smoky flavor and adds texture to the meal.

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