Savory Tacos Bake is the perfect comforting meal for busy weeknights! This dish combines seasoned ground beef, zesty taco flavors, vibrant bell peppers, and gooey melted cheese for a flavor-packed casserole that the whole family will love. It’s simple to prepare, making it a go-to recipe when you need something quick, filling, and delicious!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients for Savory Tacos Bake
- How to Make Savory Tacos Bake
- Tips for Making Savory Tacos Bake
- Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storing Leftovers
- Freezing Savory Tacos Bake
- Reheating Savory Tacos Bake
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQs
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights. This Savory Tacos Bake is great for those busy nights when you want a hot meal but don’t have much time to cook. It’s essentially a village of flavors all bundled up in one dish, making dinner a breeze!
- Flavor Explosion. Packed with zesty taco seasonings, hearty beef, fresh vegetables, and oodles of cheese, each bite is a flavorful adventure that will leave you wanting more!
- Easy Cleanup. This casserole is a one-dish wonder! Simply prepare, bake, and serve from the same dish to save on cleanup time.
Ingredients for Savory Tacos Bake
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground Beef: The main protein that brings heartiness to the casserole. Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Taco Seasoning: Essential for that bold taco flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade seasoning mix.
- Bell Peppers: Adds sweetness and crunch. You can use any color you prefer!
- Corn: Canned or frozen corn works great, adding a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
- Black Beans: Rich in protein and fiber, these beans make the dish even heartier.
- Salsa: Enhances the flavor while keeping it moist; any chunky salsa will work well.
- Shredded Cheese: Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a delicious cheesy topping.
- Tortilla Chips: These add a nice crunch and texture on top! Feel free to substitute with crushed tortilla chips if needed.
How to Make Savory Tacos Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a casserole dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain the excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning to the cooked beef along with ½ cup water. Stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- In the greased casserole dish, layer the ground beef mixture at the bottom. Next, add chopped bell peppers, corn, black beans, and salsa in layers.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top along with crushed tortilla chips.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving to set the layers.
Tips for Making Savory Tacos Bake
- Customize Your Heat: If you like it spicy, consider adding jalapeños or a hotter salsa to the mix.
- Make It Vegetarian: Substitute ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of water.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to increase nutrition and fiber.
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the casserole without baking, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- If desired, you can also fully bake it and then refrigerate the leftovers for up to 2 days.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave until heated through.
Freezing Savory Tacos Bake
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before freezing.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Savory Tacos Bake
- When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
- Guacamole – A creamy avocado dip pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the taco bake.
- Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds a nice tang.
- Mexican Rice – Serve alongside flavorful Mexican rice for a complete meal.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a healthy alternative and works perfectly in this recipe.
What can I substitute for cheese?
You can use a dairy-free cheese substitute, or simply omit the cheese for a lighter version.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free tortilla chips and ensure all other packaged ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I add other toppings?
Definitely! Consider adding sliced olives, avocado, or fresh cilantro as toppings after baking.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Print
Savory Tacos Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A delicious, comforting Savory Tacos Bake made with seasoned beef, fresh veggies, and melty cheese, perfect for your family dinner!
Ingredients
- Ground Beef
- Taco Seasoning
- Bell Peppers
- Corn
- Black Beans
- Salsa
- Shredded Cheese
- Tortilla Chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a casserole dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain the excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning to the cooked beef along with ½ cup water. Stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- In the greased casserole dish, layer the ground beef mixture at the bottom. Next, add chopped bell peppers, corn, black beans, and salsa in layers.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top along with crushed tortilla chips.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving to set the layers.
Notes
- Customize the heat level with jalapeños or spicy salsa.
- Make it vegetarian by replacing beef with lentils.
- Add extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: taco bake, casserole, family meal
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