RECIPE: Taco Bake Casserole

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This has quickly become a staple in our home.  It is easy and the boys love it.

The combination of tacos and macaroni and cheese in this Taco Bake Recipe is perfect for any child’s palate!

No worries about sharp and crunchy chips, just delicious Tex Mex flavors.

Specialty Ingredients:

The following ingredients are affiliate links on Amazon because they may be a bit hard to find in your normal store.  I wanted you to be able to see exactly which things we are using.

Kraft Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Dinner

Taco Seasoning Mix – or make your own following this great Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe from Crystal and Comp

Think N Chunky Salsa

For your next Taco Tuesday, blow the minds of your family.  Switch things up from plain Tacos and serve this delicious Taco Bake  recipe!

Make it  Meal:

Fresh Guacamole

Simple Carrot Salad

Southwestern Steak Fries

Virgin Sangria

Chocolate Reese’s Peanut Butter Brownies

I got this recipe from a Kraft Foods recipe and changed it just a hair for my family… we like more cheese than they called for and we love the 5-cheese mexi mix.

Guess what… this taco inspired casserole freezes very well.  So, you could make a few of them and stash them away until your next busy evening!

More Delicious Taco Recipes:

Asparagus Tacos

Impossibly Skinny Taco Pie

Over 55 Unique Taco Inspired Recipes

Tacos for breakfast?  Yes, please!  This recipe from Crystal and Comp is sure to delight those taco-loving family members of yours!

What are good toppings for taco-inspired dishes?

Toppings are an important factor in creating the perfect taco-inspired dish. For those who want to maximize that all-important ‘taco’ flavor, cooking and topping with classic ingredients like cilantro, lime juice, red onions, and jalapeños is a must.

If spices are more your thing, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and paprika can add a nice kick.

To top it off (literally!), shredded cheese, sour cream, and guacamole can be sprinkled over the finished dish. Pico de gallo (chopped tomatoes, onions, and cilantro) or salsa are also among the classic choices for taco toppings; if you want something different though, roasted corn or black beans may be worth exploring.

Whatever toppings you choose, however, make sure they enhance your dish’s taste by adding some crunch or creaminess. With such an array of options at hand, there’s no reason every taco-inspired creation shouldn’t be a mouthwatering success!

What type of prep work can be done before cooking meals?

Before cooking a meal, it is important to engage in the prep work necessary to produce an excellent result. Such prep work often includes stocking one’s pantry with the ingredients needed to make the desired dish, taking out and measuring any spices or seasonings that are to be used, chopping vegetables and herbs or portions of meat if necessary, and preheating ovens.

Before actually beginning the physical act of cooking, any steps that could occur should be undertaken beforehand for foods to be cooked swiftly and efficiently.

Additionally, it is essential to ensure that one has all of their cooking tools ready, such as mixing bowls, colanders, spoons, ladles, and cutting boards, as forgetting even one item can slow down the process considerably.

Preparing one’s kitchen and resources prevents needless delays during what should be an enjoyable experience!

What are simple tips to make a dish spicy?

Incorporating spicy flavors into your dishes is easy with a few simple tips. First, it’s important to remember that spiciness comes from the capsaicin in peppers, so using ingredients like jalapeños or cayenne pepper will help kick things up quickly.

For a smoky flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or even chipotle peppers. Additionally, when adding these ingredients, start small and gradually increase the amount until you achieve the desired heat level.

Finally, ensure the balance is maintained by incorporating complementary ingredients such as sour cream or yogurt, which can cool off a dish if it becomes too hot.

With this knowledge and a little culinary creativity, you’ll be able to spice up any dish easily!

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