Baked Tacos (Easy Taco Bake)
If you’re craving a fun twist on traditional tacos, you’re in for a treat! Baked Tacos (Easy Taco Bake) is the perfect dish that combines all your favorite taco flavors in a simple, hearty bake. This recipe transforms crunchy taco shells into a delicious casserole that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, celebrating taco night, or prepping for a game day feast, this dish is sure to impress. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your meal rotation.
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
Baked Tacos (Easy Taco Bake) is not just another dinner idea; it’s a culinary game changer. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. With minimal prep time and easy-to-find ingredients, you can whip up this taco bake in no time. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, and the leftovers (if there are any!) make for a great lunch the next day. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults. Who can resist the allure of melty cheese, seasoned beef, and crispy taco shells?
What You’ll Need
To create this delicious Baked Tacos (Easy Taco Bake), gather the following ingredients:
- 14-16 hard taco shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 14.5 ounces Rotel tomatoes and chiles
- ½ cup Mexican hot sauce (like Cholula)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 2 cups pico de gallo
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready before you start for an even smoother cooking experience!
Kitchen Gear Checklist
Before you start cooking, here are some essential kitchen tools you’ll need:
- Large skillet: For browning the ground beef and sautéing the onion.
- Spatula: To mix the ingredients in the skillet.
- 9×13 baking dish: Perfect for layering your taco bake.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Oven mitts: To handle the hot baking dish safely.
- Aluminum foil: Optional, for covering the dish if needed.
With your ingredients and tools ready, let’s move on to the fun part: assembling and baking your taco creation!
Baked Tacos (Easy Taco Bake): From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your taco bake cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden brown finish.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 3: Add the Seasoning
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, along with the Rotel tomatoes and chiles. Stir everything together until well combined. Let this simmer for about 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Mix in the Hot Sauce
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the Mexican hot sauce. This step adds an extra kick to your filling, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Step 5: Fill the Taco Shells
In your 9×13 baking dish, place the hard taco shells upright. Carefully spoon the beef mixture into each shell, filling them generously.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Once all the taco shells are filled, sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top. This will create a delicious, melty layer as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake it Up
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Step 8: Top with Pico de Gallo
Once removed from the oven, let the taco bake sit for a few minutes. Then, top with fresh pico de gallo for a burst of flavor and freshness.
Allergy-Friendly Substitutes
If you’re looking to make this recipe allergy-friendly or to cater to dietary preferences, consider the following substitutions:
- Ground beef: Use ground turkey or a plant-based protein for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Taco seasoning: Make your own blend using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika to avoid preservatives.
- Mexican hot sauce: Opt for a milder sauce or omit it entirely for a kid-friendly version.
- Cheese: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative for a vegan option.
What I Learned Testing
- Brown the beef well! The more flavor you develop during this step, the tastier your taco bake will be.
- Don’t skimp on the cheese! A good layer of cheese not only adds flavor but also helps hold everything together.
- Using different brands of taco seasoning can alter the flavor profile, so experiment to find your favorite.
- Letting the baked tacos sit for a few minutes before serving helps everything set and makes them easier to handle.
Prep Ahead & Store
If you want to save time on busy nights, you can prep this dish in advance:
- Prepare the beef mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
- Assemble the taco shells with the filling and cheese, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use soft taco shells instead of hard ones?
Yes! While the texture will be different, soft taco shells can work too. Just be mindful that they may not hold the filling as well as hard shells.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein, beans, or additional vegetables for a delicious vegetarian taco bake.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To amp up the heat, use a spicier hot sauce, add jalapeños to the filling, or include diced green chiles along with the Rotel tomatoes.
What’s the best way to serve Baked Tacos?
Serve with a variety of toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and additional pico de gallo. This allows everyone to customize their tacos to their liking!
Explore More
If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, check out these links:
Save & Share
If you enjoyed this Baked Tacos (Easy Taco Bake) recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends and family! Save it to your recipe box or share it on social media to inspire others to try this easy and delicious meal.
Baked Tacos (Easy Taco Bake) is not just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavors and a testament to the joy of cooking. With its ease of preparation and delightful taste, this dish is bound to become a household favorite. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a plateful of taco goodness!
Baked Tacos (Easy Taco Bake)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven - Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions - In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Step 3: Add the Seasoning - Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes. Stir together and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Step 4: Mix in the Hot Sauce - Remove from heat and stir in the Mexican hot sauce.
- Step 5: Fill the Taco Shells - Place hard taco shells upright in the baking dish and fill with the beef mixture.
- Step 6: Add Cheese - Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the filled taco shells.
- Step 7: Bake it Up - Bake for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Step 8: Top with Pico de Gallo - Let sit for a few minutes, then top with pico de gallo before serving.
Notes
- Brown the beef well for maximum flavor.
- Don’t skimp on the cheese to keep everything together.
- Experiment with different brands of taco seasoning for varied flavor.
- Letting the baked tacos sit makes them easier to handle.
