Simpler Living Blog

COOKING, HOLIDAYS, RECIPES

Easy Taco Bake for Cinco de Mayo!

Name: Easy Taco Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef OR 1 can Lehman’s ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning; Water as called for on back of seasoning packet.; 1/2 cup Salsa – your favorite heat level or multiple levels; 1/2–2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend; Large flour tortillas (8-inch size); Cooking spray; Sour Cream (optional)

Bring Cinco de Mayo to your table this Friday! This Mexican holiday celebrates Mexico’s victory on May 5, 1862 against an attack of the French army. This victory was said to be hopeless due to impossible odds.

In both the United States and Mexico, this celebration is marked with family, food and festivals. Enjoying some of the foods from this region of the world can be an easy addition to your family's supper menu. The recipe below has been adapted for a grown-up helping children in the kitchen.*

Easy Taco Bake

Dori Fritzinger

Servings

Serves 4

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cook Time:

20 minutes

This recipe is designed for 4 people – in our family we make multiple pans.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef OR 1 can Lehman’s ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
Water as called for on back of seasoning packet.
1/2 cup Salsa – your favorite heat level or multiple levels
1/2–2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Large flour tortillas (8-inch size)
Cooking spray
Sour Cream (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350° F.
In a medium to large skillet, brown and crumble ground beef. Carefully drain off any excess fat. (If cooking with children, I would recommend this being done by a grown up)
Remove skillet from heat to a heatproof surface. Caution: skillet will still be HOT.
Pour the salsa into a medium size bowl. Measure out the water and add it into the salsa– add the taco seasoning and whisk together well
Add the salsa mixture into the skillet. (This may also be a grown-up job due to heat and splatters.) Carefully blend together well.
Spray an 8-inch round baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Place an overlapping layer of flour tortillas in the prepared pan. Spread about 1/3 of salsa mixture by spoonfuls onto the tortilla. Next, place the next tortilla into the pan. Continue making layers.
Sprinkle the cheese over top.
Bake in pre-heated oven for about 15-20 minutes – until cheese is melted and edges are slightly golden brown.
Allow to cool for a couple of minutes before serving.