TACO CASSEROLE

Welcome to 2024!!

NOTE: A complete Index of all of our posts is available HERE

Today on Let's Cook, we have a delicious TACO CASSEROLE. 

Over the last couple of years, I have tried to broaden my cooking horizons to include more ethnic offerings.

The boss and I have been trying to eat more out of our freezer and pantry this month, so let's see what we have.

I decided I wanted to try some TACO's. 

I am not a huge fan of "finger food." (The exception being Chicken Wings.) I find Tacos to be a bit messy, so I prefer to make a taco I can eat with a fork.

I don't have a firm recipe on paper, just in my head, so let's go grab some "stuff".

My brother and sister-in-law gifted us some GREAT ground beef for Christmas, so we will start with a package from the freezer.

Let's see what other ingredients we can try.

How 'bout 1/2 cup of Onions?

You can't go wrong with these. (Notice the perfectly centered picture!)

We had Pizza Bits the other night and had 1/2 can of sauce in the fridge. We added a small jar of our homemade sauce and a bit of water.

Damn right we add some chopped Garlic.

I put mushrooms in almost everything that I cook.

Chili Powder and cheese of your choice.

And of course, the Tacos.

So, let's decide how to make this conglomeration. I thought about Taco Burritos but nixed that idea. Let's keep it simple.

Start by preheating the oven to 350.

Put some EVOO in a pan and set the heat to medium, high.

When the oil gets good and hot, throw in the onions.

Sauté the Onions until they start t soften, then add in the Chiles.

 Keep stirring.

When the Onions and Chiles and nice and soft, add in 2 or 4 cloves of chopped Garlic.

Stir for a minute to combine, then you can add the beef.

Right here.  Keep your shirt on.

Chop up the beef and sauté until it is brown. Then add the mushrooms.

Now we can add all the spices. I did not measure anything here. Add to your own taste. (Don't forget a good dash of salt & pepper)

Now add the sauce. If too thick, just add some water. Stir until good and hot.

In a baking dish sprayed with oil, put a bit of sauce on the bottom of the dish.

Line the bottom of the dish with 2 tacos, some sauce and a layer of cheese.

Add 2 more Tacos, sauce and more Cheese.

Cover with foil and throw this puppy in the oven.

Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for 10 more minutes.

Doesn't that look AMAZING??

Let cool for 5-10 minutes, then cut and serve.

I had mine with a nice, chopped salad and my usual adult beverage.

RESULTS:

Winner, winner, Taco dinner!!!

This might be the best casserole I have made to date. Even though it looks like the Blob that ate Cincinnati.

Maybe some parsley on the top would help?

It had a bit of "kick" but not excessive.

I used Mozzarella since it is my favorite cheese, but Cheddar might be good as well.

All in all, a great dish. And you can make this in about an hour. (cooking time included)

The president is ready for a taste.

P.O.T.U.S. 22 & 24 Grover Cleveland

That's all for this time. I hope you get in the kitchen and CREATE!

See you next time.

God Speed Mother Nature.