Au Gratin Taco Bake Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• STEP 2.In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
• STEP 3.Add the taco seasoning and water to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes.
• STEP 4.In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the ground beef mixture, followed by half of the corn, black beans, and cheese.
• STEP 5.Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
• STEP 6.Prepare the au gratin potatoes according to the package instructions and spread them evenly over the top of the casserole.
• STEP 7.Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
• STEP 8.Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy.
• STEP 9.Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
• STEP 10.Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Cooking Tips

• Feel free to customize the taco bake by adding your favorite toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, or sour cream.
• You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of this dish.
• If you prefer a spicier taco bake, add some chili powder or cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture.
• To make the dish vegetarian, omit the ground beef and add extra beans and vegetables.
• Serve the taco bake with a side of tortilla chips or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Serving

• Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Serve the taco bake hot, straight from the oven.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro for added freshness and flavor.
• This dish is great for potlucks or family gatherings.
• Pair it with a refreshing beverage like iced tea or a cold beer.