Taco Bake

Taco Bake Recipe - Authentic Mexican Dish with Ground Beef and Jack Cheese

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Taco Bake is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of tacos in a convenient casserole form. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

History

Taco Bake is a modern twist on traditional Mexican tacos. It takes the classic taco ingredients - ground beef, refried beans, salsa, and cheese - and layers them in a baking dish to create a flavorful and comforting dish that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) of lean ground beef
1 package (1.25 oz or 35 g) of taco seasoning mix
1 can (15.5 oz or 439 g) of refried beans
1 jar (16 oz or 454 g) of salsa
2 cups of shredded monterey jack cheese

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
In a large and heavy skillet, heat it over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef. Drain the excess fat.
Mix in the dry taco seasoning.
Spoon the browned meat into a 9x13 inches glass baking dish.
Spread a layer of refried beans over the meat, followed by salsa. Top it off with shredded cheese.
Bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter version of Taco Bake.
Use black beans or pinto beans instead of refried beans for a different flavor profile.
Add corn or diced bell peppers to the meat mixture for extra texture and color.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the excess fat from the ground beef after browning to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.

- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite taco toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced olives, or jalapenos.

- For a spicier version, use hot salsa or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Taco Bake with a side of sour cream, guacamole, and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe by using your favorite ingredients or making substitutions based on dietary preferences or restrictions.

Make Ahead Tips

Taco Bake can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Taco Bake with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Taco Bake with a cold beer, a glass of sangria, or a refreshing margarita for a fun and flavorful meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Taco Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Taco Bake contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Taco Bake contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Taco Bake contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Taco Bake contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Taco Bake is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and may contain gluten (depending on the brand of taco seasoning mix and refried beans used).

Summary

Taco Bake is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for dinner.

Summary

Taco Bake is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of tacos to the dinner table in a convenient casserole form. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as a variety of vitamins and minerals, this recipe is a nutritious and flavorful choice for any night of the week. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Taco Bake. It was a hot summer day and I was at a neighborhood potluck, chatting with some friends about our favorite dishes to make. One of the ladies, Mrs. Jenkins, mentioned a delicious casserole she had recently tried called Taco Bake. She described it as a flavorful mix of ground beef, beans, cheese, and spices all baked together in a crunchy tortilla shell. My mouth watered just thinking about it.

Mrs. Jenkins was kind enough to share the recipe with me, and I eagerly jotted down the ingredients and instructions on a scrap of paper. As soon as I got home, I set to work in my kitchen, excited to try my hand at making this new dish.

As I browned the ground beef and mixed in the taco seasoning, the familiar scents of cumin, chili powder, and garlic filled the air. I added in a can of black beans and some diced tomatoes, letting the mixture simmer and meld together. The aroma was intoxicating, and I knew this was going to be a hit with my family.

Next, I layered the tortilla shells in a casserole dish, spooning the beef and bean mixture on top. I sprinkled on a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese, then repeated the layers until the dish was full. I popped it in the oven and waited anxiously for it to bake to golden perfection.

When the timer finally chimed, I pulled the Taco Bake out of the oven and was met with a sight that made my heart sing. The cheese was bubbly and melted, the tortilla shells were crispy, and the aroma was absolutely irresistible. I couldn't wait to dig in.

I served up generous portions to my family, and their eyes lit up with delight as they took their first bite. The flavors were bold and comforting, the textures satisfying and crunchy. Taco Bake quickly became a favorite in our household, a dish we requested time and time again.

Over the years, I've made Taco Bake for countless gatherings and potlucks, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I've tweaked it here and there, adding in some corn or swapping out the beans for different varieties, but the core of the dish remains the same. It's a testament to the power of sharing recipes and the joy that good food can bring.

As I look back on that summer day when I first learned to make Taco Bake, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous moment that brought me this delicious dish. It's a reminder of the magic that can happen when we open ourselves up to new experiences and flavors, and I'm so glad that I did.

So the next time you're looking for a crowd-pleasing meal that's easy to make and full of flavor, give Taco Bake a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be passing on the recipe to someone else, just like Mrs. Jenkins did for me. Happy cooking!