It’s so much more than a taco bake; it is an experience. Just think of perfectly seasoned ground beef-smoky with the depth of the paprika, onion powder, and just a hint of smoky Sazón-coming together in blessed marriage with fluffy, golden Jasmine rice that has been toasted to perfection. The cheese-oh, the cheese-melts into every crevice, creating a gooey, indulgent blanket that really brings it all together. And let’s not forget the onions, caramelized and sweet, adding a depth to every bite.

But it doesn’t stop there: this dish is adaptable. Want a crunch? Throw on some crushed Doritos. Craving a kick? Add jalapeno slices. Want to be fancy? Top with fresh pico de gallo, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of crisp lettuce. Every layer, every ingredient, works together in a beautiful symphony-a dish that’s comforting, satisfying, and exploding with flavor.

And the best part? It’s not only delicious; it’s practical, too. This taco bake is perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or even enjoying as leftovers-because, trust me, it tastes just as great the next day. It is that kind of meal that brings people together, whether it be on a busy weeknight or during a casual gathering with friends.

This needed to be done by someone who knew what he was doing. It’s not just food, it’s a moment-a celebration of bold flavors, cozy comfort, and the joy of sharing a meal that’s as hearty as it is unforgettable.

Special thanks to Kay for the recipe please follow her on TikTok @kaylaavalentine and Instagram @kaylaavalentine

Homemade Taco Bake

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds of ground beef

• 1 onion (divided for meat and rice)

• 1 cup of white cheese (shredded)

• 1 cup of yellow cheese (shredded)

• 1 tablespoon of oil

• 1 cup of Jasmine rice

• 1 can of tomato sauce (cheap, plain tomato sauce)

• 2 cups of water

• 1 tablespoon and a half of chicken bouillon

• Seasonings:

• Paprika

• Onion powder

• Saute mama’s (optional)

• Sazon

• Taco seasoning

• Optional toppings:

• Doritos (for crunch)

• Jalapeno slices

• Sour cream

• Pico de gallo

Directions

• Chop the onion into small pieces for the meat and larger chunks for the rice.
• Shred the white and yellow cheese (avoid pre-shredded cheese for better melting).
• Heat a pot and add the ground beef.
• Cook the beef until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
• Add the chopped onion (small pieces) to the beef and mix well.
• Season the beef with paprika, onion powder, saute mama’s, sazon, and taco seasoning. Adjust seasoning to taste.
• Let the beef simmer on low heat while you prepare the rice.
• In a separate pot, heat the oil and add the Jasmine rice.
• Toast the rice until it starts to turn golden brown.
• Add the chopped onion (larger chunks) to the rice and mix well.
• Pour in the tomato sauce, chicken bouillon, and 2 cups of water.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a round baking dish, layer the cooked ground beef mixture.
• Spread a layer of the cooked rice on top of the beef.
• Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded white and yellow cheese over the rice.
• Repeat the layers if desired, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking.
• Optional Toppings:
• Once out of the oven, you can add crushed Doritos on top for extra crunch.
• Add jalapeno slices, sour cream, lettuce, and pico de gallo if desired.

Recipe Video

Notes

• – You can customize the toppings based on your preferences.
  – The dish can be reheated the next day without the tortillas getting soggy.
  – If you want a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with a vegan alternative.