Easy Taco Bake

Does anyone else struggle with the idea of making a 5 o’clock dinner? There are days that go by so fast, that by the first time I look up from breakfast, it’s already time to get dinner rolling! And, for a tired mom, that can often mean a stop at the drive thru. Instead of fast food, try this taco bake recipe!

Taco Tuesday will never be the same with this alternative to traditional tacos.

While ordering out once in a while isn’t the worst thing in the world, it CAN easily gobble up your budget. The average family of 4 spends $30 on dinner out, and that includes fast food drive-thru meals. That adds up quickly!

Instead make a great recipe like this easy taco bake made with lean ground beef, pepper jack cheese, and your favorite salsa. It’s delicious and sure to be a favorite of the whole family

Taco Potato Bake Casserole

This dish was created on a busy day when the last thing I wanted to do was cook. I had a couple of leftover potatoes in the fridge, a bit of leftover taco meat from taco night, and a few other ingredients. This dish was something my entire family enjoyed. I am sure your family will love it, too!

You’ll want to start with pre-baked potatoes for this taco potato bake. I like to use russets, but you can use red skin, golden Yukon, or any other potato you have on hand.

If they are NOT pre-baked, you’ll want to stick them in the oven to bake for 45 minutes.

Once they are cool enough to handle, grease an 11×7 or 8×8 pan, cube the potatoes, and lay them in the pan. Top with ground taco meat, salsa, and cheese.

Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted, bubbly and golden.

Top with fresh tomatoes, sour cream, and chives and enjoy! Store any leftover taco potato bake in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Ingredients:

• Russet potatoes
• Ground turkey, ground chicken, hamburger, or ground meat of choice
• Taco seasoning mix
• Water
• Salsa
• Shredded cheese, cheddar or cheddar jack cheese work well
• Sour cream
• Tomatoes
• Green onions

Instructions:

• Scrub, pierce and bake potatoes in a 400 degree oven for 45 minutes on a sheet pan. Allow to cool 10 minutes, or until easily handled. Leave the oven on.
• Dice into 1 inch cubes, and place in an 11×7 baking dish or 8×8 casserole dish.
• Cook ground beef until fully done in a 10-inch skillet, then add water and seasoning mix to the beef mixture. Simmer 3-5 minutes on medium-high heat, according to package instructions.
• Layer taco meat on top of potatoes, then pour the salsa over that.
• Sprinkle cheese on top of meat and salsa, then place back in the oven for 30 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and golden brown.
• Serve immediately.

Upgrade Easy Casserole With Your Favorite Taco Toppings

Kick your cheesy taco bake recipe up a notch by adding your favorite taco ingredient to the top.

A few delicious ideas include:

• sliced black olives
• crunchy tortilla chips
• whole-kernel corn (warmed)
• pinto beans or black beans (warmed)
• torn pieces of flour tortillas or corn tortillas
• chopped green chiles

With so many options, each person can customize their easy dinner with their favorite toppings to make it just how they want it.

It’s a filling dish that is quick to throw together and is just as good the next day for leftovers as it is the night you make this delicious taco casserole.

Make sure to store any leftover taco casserole in an airtight container to keep it fresh until you’re ready to eat it.

What’s your favorite comfort food? Will you try this taco potato bake? Be sure to pin this for later, too!

Grab more other meal ideas here:

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Stuffed Pizza Bread

Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry