Taco Grande
A hearty layered taco casserole with seasoned ground meat, melted cheese, fresh lettuce, and sour cream, perfect for sharing with family and friends at casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Lightly grease the bottom and sides of an 8-10 inch round pan and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook and stir ground meat over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until no longer pink, breaking into small pieces.
- Add taco seasoning mix and the amount of water as directed on the package.
- Continue cooking according to package instructions.
- Remove skillet from heat and stir in one cup of salsa.
- Arrange 4 tortillas in the bottom and up the sides of the prepared round pan, overlapping as needed.
- Spoon the meat mixture evenly over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle with one cup of shredded co-jack cheese.
- Slice and sprinkle half of the chopped green onion over the cheese.
- Top with the remaining 4 overlapping tortillas to create a scalloped edge.
- Press the tortillas down over the filling and spread the remaining salsa over the top.
- Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and green onion.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Cut into wedges.
- Chop lettuce into thin strands.
- Serve the taco wedges over the shredded lettuce and top with sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also substitute the taco seasoning with homemade spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. If you prefer a spicier kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture. Additionally, try using corn tortillas for a gluten-free option. This dish pairs beautifully with Mexican Fiesta Biscuit Bake for a festive touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the taco wedges over a bed of shredded iceberg lettuce for added crunch and freshness. Top with sour cream and your favorite salsa for extra flavor. These tacos are perfect for a casual dinner or game day gathering. Pair with a refreshing salad or Rice Rancheros for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, explore other delicious vegetarian recipes that highlight fresh vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the tortillas soggy. Consider freezing individual wedges for a quick meal later, thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Taco Grande contains roughly 241 calories, with 13g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and assemble the taco grande in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of flour tortillas?
You can use corn tortillas for a gluten-free alternative or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Keep in mind that using corn tortillas may require some adjustments in assembly, as they are less pliable than flour tortillas.
How can I customize the toppings?
Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking! Add diced tomatoes, avocados, or black olives for extra flavor. Chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice can enhance the freshness. Consider pairing with Soft Cheese Tacos for an additional texture contrast.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).