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Cheesy Taco Bake Recipe

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3.9 from 12 reviews

This Cheesy Taco Bake is a hearty and flavorful layered casserole perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Combining savory ground beef with a delightful mix of spices, fire-roasted tomatoes, and creamy sour cream, it’s layered over crunchy tortilla chips and topped with a blend of melted cheddar and pepper Jack cheeses. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dish offers the satisfying flavors of tacos in an easy-to-serve bake.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • 1 1/2 lb. ground beef
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (14.5-oz.) can fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 3/4 c. water
  • 1/2 c. sour cream
  • 2 tsp. chili powder
  • 2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 c. freshly chopped cilantro, plus more for serving

Layering and Topping

  • 1 (11- to 12-oz.) bag tortilla chips (preferably restaurant-style)
  • 2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 c. shredded pepper Jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the skillet and onion: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 350°F. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and sprinkle with kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 7 minutes.
  2. Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook while stirring until the beef is browned evenly, about 7 minutes. Drain off excess fat if preferred.
  3. Add flavorings and simmer: Stir in the minced garlic, fire-roasted tomatoes (with their juices), water, sour cream, chili powder, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to combine. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture slightly thickens, about 5 minutes. Finally, stir in the freshly chopped cilantro.
  4. Assemble the bake: Spread the tortilla chips evenly on the bottom of a 13” x 9” baking dish. Layer half of the seasoned ground beef mixture over the chips, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and half of the shredded pepper Jack cheese on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining chips, beef mixture, cheddar, and pepper Jack cheese. Sprinkle additional chopped cilantro over the top for garnish.
  5. Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly and the tortilla chips have softened slightly.
  6. Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes to set. Slice into portions and serve warm, garnished with the extra cilantro if desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • For added spice, increase the cayenne pepper according to your taste.
  • Use gluten-free tortilla chips to make this dish gluten-free.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • To add a fresh touch, serve with additional toppings like sour cream, avocado slices, or salsa.

Find it online: https://simpleplatter.com/cheesy-taco-bake-recipe/