Easy Taco Casserole Bake Recipe
I'm so excited to share one of my FAVORITE healthy Mexican-inspired recipes! Today, we’re making my Easy Taco Casserole Bake Recipe, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious and nutritious on the table fast. This recipe has become a staple meal for me, and I hope it becomes a staple in your house too!
Why I Love This Easy Taco Casserole Recipe
I have always loved tacos, but they can be kind of tedious to assemble, especially on busy weeknights. That's where this healthy taco casserole recipe comes in. It’s like having all your favorite taco flavors in a convenient, easy-to-make casserole. Plus, each square is packed with 19 grams of protein and only 150 calories, making it a guilt-free option for dinner!
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Ingredients for a Healthy Taco Casserole
Here's what you'll need to make this delicious and easy taco casserole recipe:
3 pieces of lavash bread: These make up the layers of our casserole.
12 oz lean ground beef (96% lean): You can substitute ground chicken, lean ground turkey, or even ground pork for different flavors.
3 oz fat-free cheese: I like using a Mexican blend for a bit of extra flavor.
1 cup fat-free Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and tanginess to the dish.
3 Laughing Cow cheese wedges: These help to spread flavor throughout the casserole.
2 oz black olives: For a bit of a salty bite and extra texture.
How to Make Taco Casserole: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and greasing a large skillet with a touch of olive oil. Add the lean ground beef and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Add a quarter cup of finely diced yellow onion (or sweet onion if you prefer), and cook until the onion becomes translucent and meat is no longer red.
Pro Tip: If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, toss in some finely diced red bell peppers, poblano peppers, or even a can of green chiles for extra heat.
Step 2: Season the Meat
Once the meat is browned, stir in one packet of taco seasoning. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder, chili powder, and onion powder for even more flavor. A small amount of tomato paste or tomato sauce can also be added for a richer taste.
Alternative Ingredients: If you prefer, you can use ground chicken, lean ground turkey, or even a mix of different ground meats like ground pork for a unique twist. For a vegetarian diet, substitute the meat with black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Lay one lavash sheet flat and spread one Laughing Cow cheese wedge on one side. Top with a third of the cooked meat mixture, and sprinkle with 1 ounce of the fat-free shredded cheese. Repeat this step two more times to create three delicious layers.
Additional Options: You can mix in some cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice to add more bulk to the casserole. If you like your casserole extra cheesy, feel free to use a combination of low-fat cheeses like sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack cheese.
Step 4: Bake
Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For the best results, keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking.
Quick Tip: Using a glass or ceramic casserole dish helps in even cooking and retains heat well, which is great for reheating leftovers.
Step 5: Add Your Favorite Toppings
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Slice into six squares and top with your favorite toppings. Some of my go-to toppings include:
Fresh salsa or pico de gallo
Sliced black olives
Extra shredded cheese
Taco sauce or hot sauce
Low-fat sour cream or more Greek yogurt
Fresh cilantro
Freshly diced red onion or green onions
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your taco casserole with a side of baked tortilla chips or a simple salad. It’s also great with a scoop of refried beans or a side of fluffy white rice or brown rice.
My Recommended Products for This Recipe
To make this recipe even easier and more enjoyable, here are a couple of kitchen tools that I personally love and recommend:
1. JOYHILL Food Scale
Perfect for weight loss, baking, and cooking. Measures up to 22 pounds in ounces and grams.
2. Meat Chopper
A heat-resistant masher and smasher for ground meats, made from durable nylon.
3. KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitt Set
Stylish and functional oven mitts for safe handling of hot dishes.
Tips for the Best Taco Casserole Bake
FAQs
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Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This casserole also makes a great meal prep option, as it tastes even better the next day.
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Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Simply wrap each square in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.
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For a lower-carb version, use cauliflower rice instead of lavash. You can also use less cheese or opt for a plant-based cheese if you're looking to keep things light.
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This healthy chicken taco casserole is not just a delicious meal, but also a lifesaver for those hectic nights when you need dinner ready in a flash. The simple ingredients and easy preparation make it an ideal choice for an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
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This Mexican casserole is packed with healthy ingredients and flavor. It's a great way to enjoy Mexican food without all the extra calories and fat. Plus, it’s versatile—you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your family’s preferences by adding more or less chili powder or taco seasoning.
This Easy Taco Casserole Bake Recipe is a fantastic addition to your meal rotation. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with protein and healthy ingredients. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or just another busy weeknight, this casserole will make dinner a breeze and satisfy your cravings for Mexican recipes. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! I hope you enjoy this dish as much as I do! Feel free to share your favorite toppings or any modifications you make. Happy cooking!
Easy Taco Casserole Bake Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 pieces of lavash bread
- 12 oz lean ground beef (96% lean)
- 3 oz fat-free cheese
- 1 cup fat-free Greek yogurt
- 3 Laughing Cow cheese wedges
- 2 oz black olives
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ¼ cup finely diced yellow onion
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a large skillet with olive oil.
- Cook ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Add diced onion and cook until the onion is translucent and the meat is browned.
- Season the meat with taco seasoning. Add garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, and tomato paste for extra flavor.
- Assemble the casserole: Lay one lavash bread flat, spread one Laughing Cow cheese wedge on top, add a third of the cooked meat mixture, and sprinkle with 1 oz of shredded cheese. Repeat this process for two more layers.
- Bake the casserole for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Slice and top with your favorite toppings such as salsa, olives, extra cheese, taco sauce, sour cream, or cilantro.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
150Fat
5 gCarbs
12 gProtein
19 g