Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
– 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
– 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– Optional toppings: sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, chopped cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread refried beans on the bottom.
5. Top with a layer of crushed tortilla chips, followed by the ground beef mixture.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Information:
– Calories: 350
– Fat: 18g
– Carbs: 25g
– Protein: 22g
Helpful tips:
1. For extra flavor, try adding some diced onions and minced garlic to the ground beef mixture.
2. Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
3. Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor profile.
4. Make a vegetarian version by using meatless crumbles instead of ground beef.
5. Customize your toppings to suit your preferences, such as adding avocado, salsa, or hot sauce.
6. Use a mix of different colored tortilla chips for a fun and colorful presentation.
7. Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking for a spicy kick.
8. Serve with a side of Mexican rice or a refreshing salad to complete the meal.
9. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
10. This dish can be easily doubled or halved to feed a larger or smaller crowd.
Expert Secrets:
1. Ensure the ground beef is fully cooked before adding the taco seasoning to enhance the flavor.
2. Drain any excess grease after cooking the ground beef to prevent the dish from becoming too oily.
3. Mixing the refried beans with a splash of hot sauce or taco sauce can add an extra layer of flavor.
4. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the flavors meld together before serving.
5. Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy taste.
6. Layer the ingredients evenly to ensure each bite has a perfect balance of flavors.
7. Feel free to add additional spices like cumin, paprika, or chili powder to the ground beef mixture for extra seasoning.
8. Keep an eye on the dish while baking to prevent the cheese from burning.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro just before serving for a burst of freshness.
10. Have all your toppings prepared and ready to go before serving to make assembly quick and easy.
