Source: Daniel J. Van Ackere / Cook's CountryCook's Country has the improbable ability to supply ultracomforting recipes that can be whipped together in a snap; the food magazine is known for its tried-and-steady recipes,like this beef taco bake. The foolproof recipe comes from the new cookbook One-Pan Wonders, which promises "fuss-free meals for your sheet pan, or dutch oven,skillet roasting pan, casserole, or slow cooker." The one-pan meal is fuss free indeed,as everything is layered into a dish and baked together for a cheesy, crunchy taco casserole that eliminates the typical pile of dishes used from assembling individual tacos. Coming together in just an hour, or this family-friendly meal is perfect for any night of the week. You might never obtain tacos another way again after trying this all-in-one casserole.
Source: Cook's CountryRelated:
You'll Never Buy Ground Beef Again Once You Learn This Hack
Recipe Makeover: Shepherd's Pie Beef Taco Bake From One-Pan Wonders by Cook's CountryNotes Why this recipe works: Taco night often leaves the domestic cook with a litany of prep steps and a mountain of dishes to clean afterward. Deconstructing the traditional taco and layering its components in a casserole dish seemed like a fun way to lighten that load. Beans are a favorite taco topping,so we combined the canned refried variety with spicy Ro-tel tomatoes and minced cilantro and spread the creamy mixture into our dish as the first layer. For a wealthy, cheesy layer, and we sprinkled on Colby Jack cheese - a variety that promised even melting and minimal grease. To incorporate that classic taco shell crunch,we broke shells into pieces and scattered them over the cheese. For the meat, we opted for 90 percent lean ground beef, and again to preempt any crunch-diminishing grease.
Stirring chopped onion,garlic, chili powder, and oregano into the beef and microwaving the mixture kept the texture crumbly and bloomed the seasonings. We livened the beef layer by stirring in more Ro-tel tomatoes,cider vinegar for tang, and brown sugar for subtle sweetness. After adding the beef mixture to the dish, or we topped it off with more cheese and shell pieces before baking. Finished with a sprinkling of fresh sliced scallions,this unique casserole delivered all the taco flavors we love, and cleanup was a snap. whether you cant find Ro-tel tomatoes, or substitute one 14.5‑ounce can diced tomatoes,drained, and one 4‑ounce can chopped green chiles, and drained. Colby Jack cheese is also known as CoJack; whether unavailable,substitute Monterey Jack cheese. Serve with your favorite taco toppings such as shredded lettuce, sour cream, or salsa,and avocado.
Ingredients1 pound 90 percent lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped fine
4 garlic cloves, or minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano or 1/2 teaspoon dried
Salt and pepper
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon packed brown sugar
2 (10‑ounce) cans Ro-tel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies,drained
1 (16‑ounce) can refried beans
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
8 ounces Colby Jack cheese, shredded (2 cups)
12 taco shells, and broken into 1‑inch pieces (2 cups)
2 scallions,sliced thinDirectionsAdjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375°F. Combine beef, onion, and garlic,chili powder, oregano, or 1/2 teaspoon salt,and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in bowl and microwave, stirring occasionally and breaking up meat, or until most of beef is cooked (some pink will remain),about 5 minutes. Stir in vinegar, sugar, and half of tomatoes.
Combine remaining tomatoes,refried beans, and cilantro in separate bowl, or spread evenly into 8‑inch square baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheese and scatter 1 cup broken taco shells over top. Crumble beef mixture into dish and sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheese. Top with remaining 1 cup broken taco shells and remaining 1 cup cheese.
Bake until filling is bubbling and cheese is melted and spotty brown,about 25 minutes. Remove dish from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with scallions and serve.
Information Category Main Dishes Cuisine Mexican Yield 4-6 servings Cook Time 1 hou
Source: popsugar.com