The Ultimate Taco Lasagna Bake Recipe
Tacos are a beloved dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from traditional street-style tacos to gourmet fusion creations. But have you ever thought about combining the flavors of tacos with the comforting layers of lasagna? Enter the Taco Lasagna Bake - a delicious and hearty dish that brings together the best of both worlds. In this article, we will walk you through the ingredients and instructions to create this mouthwatering Taco Lasagna Bake that is sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Estimated Timing:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients:
For the Taco Meat:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (1.25-ounce) packet taco seasoning mix
- ½ cup water (or more as needed)
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
For the Assembly:
- 12 corn tortillas (6-inch size)
- 1 (15-ounce) can refried beans
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel or similar)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or another Mexican blend cheese)
- 1 cup sour cream (optional)
- Chopped green onions and sliced black olives (for garnish, optional)
Let's Bake this Taco Fiesta!
- Brown the Meat: Warm the olive oil in a huge skillet over medium warm. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add the onion and green pepper (if using) to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Blend within the garlic and cook for an extra diminutive.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning mix, water, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a stew and cook for 10 minutes, permitting the flavors to merge.
- Preheat and Grease: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread a thin layer of refried beans on the bottom of the prepared dish. Top with half of the corn tortillas. Layer half of the taco meat mixture over the tortillas, followed by half of the diced tomatoes with green chiles. Layer half of the cheddar cheese and half of the Monterey Jack cheese on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, taco meat mixture, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and cheese.
- Bake to Gooey Perfection: Bake the Taco Lasagna Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional Toppings: Dollop the top with sour cream (if using) and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sliced black olives for a finishing touch.
- Serve and Savor! Let the Taco Lasagna Bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this flavorful and fun twist on a classic!
Tips for a Terrific Taco Lasagna Bake:
- Ground Beef Options: Lean ground beef works well, or you can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Taco Twists: Feel free to add a can of black beans or corn to the taco meat mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Spice it Up: If you like things spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeno to the taco meat or diced tomatoes with green chiles.
- Tortilla Tips: Corn tortillas are traditional, but you can also use flour tortillas if preferred.