Cooking together as a family can be a delightful and educational experience, especially when the recipe is as fun and straightforward as Taco Bake. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also a great way to involve your kids in the kitchen. They’ll love tearing up the tortillas and watching the magic happen as simple ingredients transform into a delicious meal. Plus, the convenience of using frozen vegetables and the ability to reheat it makes Taco Bake a perfect choice for busy families. Let’s dive into this tasty adventure!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed tomato soup
- 1 cup thick and chunky salsa
- 1/2 cup milk
- 6 flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded taco cheese
- 2 bags (12 oz each) of frozen pepper and onion blend
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, extra salsa, olives
Method
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is a great time to get the kids involved by asking them to help with gathering and organizing all the ingredients. Make sure to supervise them, especially with the raw meat.
- Cooking the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Encourage your kids to watch as you stir the meat, breaking it into smaller chunks. Once it’s fully cooked, drain off any excess fat. This is a teaching moment about cooking meat safely.
- Adding Flavor: Stir in the condensed tomato soup, salsa, and milk into the skillet with the meat. This combination creates a rich and tangy base for your Taco Bake.
- Vegetables: Add the frozen pepper and onion blend. Let them thaw as they cook with the meat mixture. Explain to your children how frozen vegetables are a convenient and healthy option.
- Tortillas and Cheese: Here comes the fun part for the kids! Let them tear the flour tortillas into small pieces and add them to the skillet. Then, mix in half of the shredded taco cheese. This step is great for developing small motor skills and the joy of cooking.
- Assembling the Bake: Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan (this one is great with a lid for storage) with non-stick cooking spray. Transfer the mixture from the skillet into the pan. This can be a moment to teach kids about kitchen safety and how to handle hot items carefully.
- Baking: Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This waiting time is perfect for cleaning up and setting the table, making it a complete cooking lesson.
- Finishing Touches: Remove the Taco Bake from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. The cheese will melt beautifully over the hot mixture.
- Serving: Let the Taco Bake cool slightly, then slice and serve. Offer a variety of toppings like sour cream, guacamole, extra salsa, and olives. Let everyone customize their plate to their liking.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Serve your Taco Bake with a side of black beans for extra protein and a fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the Taco Bake ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. This makes it an excellent option for meal planning.
Conclusion
Taco Bake is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, especially when done with family. It teaches kids about cooking, nutrition, and the joy of eating what they’ve helped make. Moreover, it’s a dish that caters to busy schedules and varying tastes, ensuring that everyone at the table is happy and satisfied. Enjoy your family cooking adventure with this delightful Taco Bake!
