Ingredients:
1 pound 454g ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
Water as called for on back of seasoning packet usually 3/4 cup or 177 ml
1/2 cup 120g salsa con queso
3 8-inch (20cm) flour tortillas (soft taco size)
2 cups 200g shredded Mexican cheese blend (divided use)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8-inch (20cm) round baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
Drain any excess grease.
Add the taco seasoning and water as called for on the seasoning packet (usually 3/4 cup or 177 ml). Stir well to combine.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the salsa con queso until fully combined.
To assemble the bake, place one of the flour tortillas in the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Top with about 1/3 of the taco meat mixture and 1/3 of the shredded cheese.
Repeat with another tortilla, more taco meat, and more cheese until all ingredients are used up.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the tortillas are slightly golden brown.
Remove the baking pan from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Top with your desired toppings, such as diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, or chopped cilantro.
Notes:
If you prefer a spicier taco bake, you can use a spicy salsa con queso or add diced jalapenos to the filling.
You can also customize the toppings to your liking, such as adding diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, or sour cream.
This recipe is great for meal prep or leftovers, as it reheats well in the microwave or oven.
Nutrition Information:
YIELD: 6 SERVING SIZE: 1
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 420 | TOTAL FAT: 20g | SATURATED FAT: 8g | CHOLESTEROL: 70mg | SODIUM: 700mg | CARBOHYDRATES: 30g | FIBER: 2g | SUGAR: 2g | PROTEIN: 25
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I add more layers or ingredients to the taco bake?
Yes, this recipe is quite versatile.
You can add more layers if you have a deeper pan, or add in additional ingredients like beans, corn, diced peppers, or onions.
Just be mindful that adding more ingredients will alter the baking time and the nutritional content.
I can’t find salsa con queso. What else can I use?
If salsa con queso isn’t available, you can use a similar creamy, cheesy sauce like queso dip, or make your own by combining melted cheese with salsa.
This might slightly change the flavor of the dish, but will still be delicious.
Can I substitute ground beef with another type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other types of ground meat like turkey or chicken if you prefer.
This can alter the nutritional content and potentially the cooking time, so you’ll want to ensure any substituted meat is fully cooked.
What if I can’t find salsa con queso in my local store?
If you can’t find salsa con queso, you can substitute it with a mixture of regular salsa and melted cheese or a cheese sauce.
Alternatively, you can use any other creamy, cheese-based sauce that you like.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef in this recipe.
Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and season it well for the best flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have salsa con queso?
If you don’t have salsa con queso on hand, you can substitute it with regular salsa or a combination of salsa and melted cheese.
Adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain the flavor profile.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
While flour tortillas are traditionally used in this recipe, you can certainly use corn tortillas if you prefer.
Keep in mind that corn tortillas may have a different texture and flavor compared to flour tortillas.
How long does this taco bake last in the refrigerator?
This taco bake can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Simply reheat individual servings in the microwave for a quick and easy meal.
Can I freeze leftovers of this taco bake?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers of this taco bake for future meals.
Wrap individual portions tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Frozen taco bake can be reheated in the oven or microwave straight from the freezer.
