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!