Ultimate Taco Bake Delight
Indulge in the bold and savory flavors of my Ultimate Taco Bake Delight! This casserole takes all the beloved elements of a traditional taco and transforms them into a hearty, satisfying dish that's perfect for any weeknight dinner or family gathering. With seasoned ground beef, colorful vegetables, zesty taco sauce, and layers of melty cheese, every bite is a delicious explosion of flavor. Best of all, you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, ensuring that every family member comes back for seconds. Be sure to enjoy it hot from the oven, as the crispy taco shells create the perfect texture before they become too soft. Your taste buds won't regret it!
5
Servings
420
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 1/2 lbs (cooked and drained)
large onion
1 (finely chopped)
fresh garlic
2 tablespoons (minced (adjust to taste))
bell pepper
1 (seeded and chopped (red or green))
seasoning salt
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
water
1 cup (for cooking)
dried chili pepper flakes
2 teaspoons (adjust to taste)
taco sauce
1 (215 ml) bottle (can use two bottles if preferred)
diced green chilies
2 (4 ounce) cans (for added flavor)
sliced ripe olives
1 (14 ounce) can, drained (divided)
taco seasoning mix
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package (for seasoning (optional second package))
taco shells or tortillas
1 (4 1/2 ounce) package (broken into pieces)
shredded cheddar cheese
4 cups (divided)
large firm tomatoes
1 (diced (can use 2 tomatoes))
green onions
3 (sliced (optional for garnish))
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the finely chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, and chili flakes. Cook until the onions become translucent and the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
3
Season the beef mixture with seasoning salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in the water, taco sauce, diced green chilies, half of the sliced olives, and taco seasoning mix. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 6-8 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
In a greased 13x9-inch baking dish, layer half of the broken taco shells in the bottom. Spread half of the meat sauce over the shells and sprinkle with 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
5
Use the remaining broken shells to create a second layer, followed by the remaining meat sauce. Top with the remaining shredded cheese. If desired, reserve some cheese to sprinkle on for the last 10 minutes of baking to keep it gooey and fresh.
6
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and the cheese is melted.
7
Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with the remaining olives, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions. For an extra kick, drizzle with your favorite salsa before serving. Let cool slightly before cutting into portions.
Nutrition Information
27.6g
Fat
22.8g
Carbs
23.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Taco Bake Delight?
It is a hearty casserole that layers seasoned ground beef, colorful vegetables, taco sauce, and melty cheese with crispy taco shells.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 5 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What protein is used in this taco bake?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of ground beef, cooked and drained.
How long does the casserole bake in the oven?
It should be baked for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and the cheese is melted.
Can I use tortillas instead of taco shells?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either taco shells or tortillas broken into pieces.
What kind of cheese should I use?
The recipe specifies 4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, divided.
Are there any specific vegetables included in the beef mixture?
Yes, the beef mixture includes a large finely chopped onion and one seeded and chopped bell pepper.
How much garlic is needed for this dish?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of minced fresh garlic, which can be adjusted to taste.
Is this dish spicy?
It contains chili flakes, taco sauce, diced green chilies, and taco seasoning, but you can adjust these ingredients to control the heat.
How do I keep the taco shells crispy?
It is best enjoyed hot from the oven, as the shells will eventually become soft the longer they sit.
Can I add extra taco sauce?
Yes, while the recipe calls for one 215 ml bottle, you can use two bottles if you prefer a saucier dish.
What size baking dish is required?
A greased 13x9-inch baking dish is recommended.
Should I drain the ground beef after browning?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after cooking the beef with the onions, peppers, and garlic.
How long should the meat mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer on low heat for about 6-8 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How many layers are in the casserole?
The casserole is built with two layers of broken taco shells, meat sauce, and shredded cheese.
What garnishes are recommended?
The dish is garnished with sliced ripe olives, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions.
Can I use red bell peppers?
Yes, the recipe states you can use either red or green bell peppers.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 420 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 27.6g of fat.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 23.8g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are approximately 22.8g of carbohydrates per serving.
Are olives used inside the bake or just for garnish?
Both; half of the sliced olives are stirred into the simmering meat mixture and the rest are used as garnish.
Can I add salsa to this dish?
Yes, you can drizzle your favorite salsa over the dish before serving for an extra kick.
How much taco seasoning mix is needed?
One 1 1/4 ounce package is standard, though you can use a second package if desired.
How many tomatoes are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 large firm tomato, though you can use 2 if preferred.
What should the onions look like when done sautéing?
The onions should be cooked until they become translucent.
Can I prepare this for a family gathering?
Yes, it is described as a hearty dish perfect for family gatherings or any weeknight dinner.
How do I make the cheese extra gooey?
You can reserve some of the cheese to sprinkle on during the last 10 minutes of baking.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are 16 total ingredients listed for this Ultimate Taco Bake Delight.