Description
A flavorful and hands-off Taco Bake, perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 kg (3 lb) ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped (about 150 g / 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (≈9 g)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp (15 g) chili powder
- 1 tbsp (8 g) ground cumin
- 1 tsp (5 g) smoked paprika
- 400 g (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 170 g (6 oz) tomato paste (approx. 6 tbsp)
- 450 g (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 240 ml (1 cup) beef broth
- 200 g (7 oz) frozen corn
- 200 g (7 oz) shredded cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)
- 10–12 corn tortillas or 200 g (7 oz) sturdy tortilla chips
- 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt
- ½ tsp (2.5 g) black pepper
- Optional toppings: cilantro, sliced avocado, sour cream, lime wedges
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up as it browns for 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30–45 seconds to bloom the spices.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, black beans, and corn. Stir and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Lightly oil the slow cooker. Layer half of the tortillas (or chips) on the bottom, followed by half the meat mixture, and half the cheese. Repeat the layers.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2–3 hours or LOW for 3.5–4.5 hours, until filling is bubbling. Remove lid and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes.
- If desired, broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden cheese top.
Notes
To keep chips crispy, add them only in the last 15–20 minutes. For a make-ahead option, assemble in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 200 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 heaping cup (about 250 g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg