It's a Recipe!: Taco Bake

I love to really make a night of it and cook a big meal, but let's be honest... most nights there just isn't the time for that kind of involvement.  I seriously appreciate meals that can be made ahead of time & then popped in the oven later.  Naturally, you think of lasagna when you think "prep now, cook later", but lasagna can take a while to prepare.  I don't always have that time... neither do you, I know.  "What is it that I do have time for?", you ask?(I asked for you... you're welcome.)

TACO BAKE!

I love me a taco bake, y'all!  It's yummy & quick & you only have to "dirty" two dishes b/c clearly you need to eat this on a paper plate.  You don't?  Well, whatever... we do!  Some things are meant to be eaten on a paper plate & taco bake is one of them :)

 Ingredients: 

Large tortillas

1 can refried beans

1 bag shredded cheese

1 pack taco seasoning

1 lb ground beef 

(may substitute beef with ground turkey or shredded chicken)

optional toppings:

shredded lettuce

tomato

avacado (or guacamole)

salsa

sliced jalapenos

sour cream

green onions

[whatever else your heart desires... but don't let your heart desire that liquid jalapeno cheese, cause it. was. gross! Thank goodness I tasted it before I used it on the dish!]

Cooking Instructions:

-In a medium skillet(dirty dish number one), brown 1 lb ground beef(or meat of your choice)

-Drain excess fat

-Follow directions on taco seasoning packet (usually add seasoning & 1 1/2 cups of water)

-In a pie plate/round baking pan/tart pan (Your second and final dirty dish!)

layer tortilla, beans, beef & cheese

Repeat 3 more times

(If you're prepping this in the morning, go ahead and cover it and pop it in the fridge now!)

-Bake covered at 375 degrees for 15 minutes

-Uncover & bake for 10 more minutes

-Top it how you like it & Nom nom nom!

Make this recipe lower in fat by using:

-lean ground beef, turkey or chicken 

-greek yogurt in place of sour cream

-low fat cheese

Happy Weekend, everyone!