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If you're craving a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the best of tacos and casseroles, this Taco Meat and Cottage Cheese Casserole is your answer. It's a delightful mix of ground beef, taco seasoning, cottage cheese, and crushed tortilla chips, all baked to perfection. Perfect for a family dinner or a potluck, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Let's dive into this cheesy, savory goodness!
What You Will Need for This Casserole
Read more: Taco Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make taco meat and cottage cheese casserole
- Ground beef: Provides a hearty, savory base that absorbs taco seasoning well, creating a flavorful foundation for the casserole.
- Taco seasoning: Adds a mix of spices that give the beef a classic, zesty taco flavor, essential for the dish's taste.
- Cottage cheese: Offers a creamy texture and mild flavor that balances the spiciness of the taco meat.
- Shredded cheese: Melts to form a gooey, cheesy layer on top, adding richness and binding the casserole together.
- Salsa: Brings a tangy, slightly spicy element that complements the seasoned beef and adds moisture to the casserole.
- Crushed tortilla chips: Adds a crunchy texture and a hint of corn flavor, providing a satisfying contrast to the creamy and cheesy layers.
Essential Tools and Instruments
- Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef evenly, ensuring the meat is cooked through and seasoned properly.
- Baking dish: Necessary for layering ingredients and baking the casserole to achieve a bubbly, melted cheese topping.
- Oven: Required to bake the casserole at the right temperature, ensuring all layers meld together perfectly.
- Spatula: Useful for stirring and breaking up ground beef while cooking, ensuring even seasoning distribution.
- Measuring cups: Important for accurately measuring ingredients like cottage cheese, salsa, and shredded cheese to maintain recipe balance.
Taco Meat and Cottage Cheese Casserole
A hearty and delicious casserole combining taco meat and cottage cheese.
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Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Dish
- Skillet
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1 packet Taco seasoning
- 1 cup Cottage cheese
- 2 cups Shredded cheese Cheddar or Mexican blend
- 1 cup Salsa
- 1 bag Tortilla chips Crushed
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning to the beef according to the packet instructions.
- In a baking dish, layer crushed tortilla chips, taco meat, cottage cheese, salsa, and shredded cheese.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of shredded cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes:
Feel free to add your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or jalapeños.
Nutrition value:
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg
Read more: Taco Casserole Recipe
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Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the casserole as directed but don't bake.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- When ready to bake, remove from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble the casserole but don't bake.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with foil.
- Label with date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To bake, thaw in fridge overnight.
- Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes if needed.
Using cottage cheese in this casserole adds a creamy texture and boosts the protein content, making it a more filling meal without adding too many extra calories.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute.
How long does it take to prepare?
About 45 minutes total, including prep and baking time.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What can I serve with this casserole?
A simple green salad or some guacamole pairs nicely.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, it freezes well. Just reheat in the oven or microwave.
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