Cheese Tacos
Cheese tacos feature melted cheese, flavorful tomato and chili sauce, and creamy sour cream, perfect for a quick, cheesy, and satisfying Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook onion in 2 tablespoons of oil until tender but not brown. Stir in undrained tomatoes, chili peppers, and oregano.
- Simmer about 20 minutes until very thick.
- In a skillet, dip tortillas in 2 tablespoons of hot oil about 10 seconds or just until limp.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Cut cheese into about 12 strips.
- Place 1 strip of cheese and 2 tablespoons of sauce down the center of each tortilla; overlap edges.
- Arrange on a baking sheet seam side up.
- Bake, covered, in a 350° F oven for 8 minutes.
- Uncover; bake 3 to 4 minutes more.
- Open tortillas and add sour cream.
- Roll up and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or using pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack. You can substitute the canned tomatoes with fresh diced tomatoes for a brighter flavor. If you're short on time, pre-made taco sauce can save you from making the sauce from scratch, although the homemade version is more flavorful. This recipe also fits well into vegetarian recipes, so feel free to explore more options.
Serving Suggestions
These cheese tacos are delicious when served with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad. For an added touch, pair them with Southwestern Black Bean Dip for a flavorful appetizer. Garnish with chopped cilantro and avocado slices for extra color and taste. A refreshing drink like agua fresca complements the meal perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover cheese tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through, or microwave them for about 1-2 minutes. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Tacos contains roughly 862 calories, with 13g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 960mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cheese tacos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and sauce in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the tacos just before baking to ensure they stay fresh and crispy. This is especially helpful for parties or gatherings.
What can I use instead of Monterey Jack cheese?
You can substitute Monterey Jack with Longhorn cheese, or for a twist, use cheddar or pepper jack cheese for added flavor. Each cheese will bring a unique taste to the tacos, so choose according to your preference.
How can I make these tacos spicier?
To add heat, include diced jalapeños in the filling or opt for spicy green chili peppers. You can also serve the tacos with a side of hot sauce or spicy salsa to allow guests to customize their spice level.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).