The recipe for “Taco Bake” is a hearty and flavorful casserole that’s perfect for gatherings like church potlucks or easy weeknight dinners. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the recipe:
Taco Bake
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Recipe Category: Meat
Keywords: Potluck, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup shell macaroni, uncooked
- 1 can (4 oz) chopped green chilies
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 374.5
- Fat: 20.6g
- Saturated Fat: 11.1g
- Cholesterol: 88.7mg
- Sodium: 661.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2.2g
- Sugars: 4.9g
- Protein: 28.2g
Aggregated Rating: 5 stars
Review Count: 37 reviews
Instructions:
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Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 1 1/2 quart baking dish.
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Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
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Add Seasonings: Stir in water, taco seasoning, and tomato sauce. Mix well and bring to a boil.
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Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Combine Ingredients: Stir in the uncooked macaroni, green chilies, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
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Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on top.
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Bake: Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy hot!
Recipe Notes:
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Adaptability: This casserole is highly adaptable. You can use Mexican blend cheese instead of cheddar for a different flavor profile. If you prefer spicier food, add chopped jalapenos along with the green chilies.
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Potluck Favorite: As noted, this dish is a favorite at potlucks, often leaving the dish empty due to its delicious flavors and comforting appeal.
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Make-Ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just increase the baking time slightly if baking from cold.
This Taco Bake recipe not only provides a satisfying meal with its rich flavors but also offers flexibility in ingredients to suit personal preferences, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen repertoire, whether for a quick family dinner or a festive gathering.
