Cheesy Taco Bake
This Cheesy Taco Bake is a delightful and flavorful casserole that combines all your favorite taco ingredients into one hearty dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, it features ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, and a gooey layer of cheese all nestled atop a crunchy bed of crushed taco chips. It's easy to prepare and comes together in less than an hour, making it a go-to meal for taco lovers of all ages. Serve it with your favorite garnishes, like fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and dollops of sour cream, for a complete fiesta on your plate!
8
Servings
350
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
hamburger
2 lbs (ground)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
taco seasoning mix
2 (1 1/4 ounce) packages (dry)
water
2 cups (liquid)
tomato paste
1 (6 ounce) can (canned)
shredded cheddar cheese
12-16 ounces (shredded)
taco chips
1 (8 ounce) bag (crushed)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground hamburger along with the chopped onion until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is translucent. Drain excess fat.
2
Stir in the taco seasoning mix, water, and tomato paste. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
3
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
4
Spread the meat mixture evenly in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
5
Top the meat with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese, followed by the crushed taco chips.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7
Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh tomatoes, shredded lettuce, taco sauce, sour cream, or any of your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
18.75g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cheesy Taco Bake?
It is a flavorful Mexican-inspired casserole featuring ground beef, taco seasoning, and cheese on a bed of crushed taco chips.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the Cheesy Taco Bake need to bake?
It should bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of ground hamburger.
How much taco seasoning is required?
You will need two 1.25-ounce packages of dry taco seasoning mix.
What size baking dish is needed?
A 9x13-inch baking dish is the recommended size for this casserole.
What type of cheese is best for this bake?
The recipe suggests using 12 to 16 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese.
What provides the crunch in the recipe?
One 8-ounce bag of crushed taco chips provides the crunchy texture.
Should the meat be drained after cooking?
Yes, you should drain the excess fat after browning the hamburger and onions.
How long should the meat mixture simmer?
Let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes until it has slightly thickened.
What are the calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 20 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving has approximately 22.5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 18.75 grams of carbohydrates.
What ingredients are used for the sauce base?
The sauce consists of taco seasoning mix, 2 cups of water, and a 6-ounce can of tomato paste.
How should the onion be prepared?
The recipe requires one medium onion to be chopped before browning with the meat.
What is the suggested order for layering the dish?
Spread the meat mixture first, then top with shredded cheese, and finally the crushed taco chips.
Are there any recommended toppings for serving?
Popular garnishes include fresh tomatoes, shredded lettuce, taco sauce, and sour cream.
How long does the entire meal take to prepare?
The dish is easy to prepare and typically comes together in less than an hour.
Is this dish considered a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a family meal and comfort food suitable for taco lovers of all ages.
What category of cuisine does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as Mexican cuisine.
Do I need to cover the dish while it simmers?
No, the meat mixture should simmer uncovered to allow it to thicken.
Can I prepare the meat in advance?
While the recipe focuses on immediate baking, the browning and simmering steps can be done ahead of time.
What type of taco chips are used?
Any standard 8-ounce bag of taco chips can be used as long as they are crushed.
Is there any fiber or sugar information available?
No specific fiber or sugar values are provided in the current nutritional data.
Should the dish cool before eating?
Yes, allow the dish to cool slightly after removing it from the oven for better serving consistency.
What is the primary vegetable ingredient in the bake?
A medium chopped onion is the primary vegetable cooked into the base mixture.
What is the total count of ingredients required?
The recipe uses 7 main ingredients: hamburger, onion, taco seasoning, water, tomato paste, cheese, and chips.
Is this a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, it is tagged as both 'quick' and 'easy,' making it ideal for busy schedules.