Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 bag of chili cheese Fritos
- 1/2 can cheddar cheese soup
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions:
- Preparation of Meat:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until it’s thoroughly browned and no pink remains. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes.
- Once browned, carefully drain the excess fat from the skillet to keep your dish lighter and less greasy.
- Stir in the taco seasoning along with the 2/3 cup of water to the skillet with the cooked meat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. The mixture should thicken slightly and fully coat the meat with seasoning.
- Assembling the Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Take an 8×8 inch baking dish and create a layer of chili cheese Fritos across the bottom. The Fritos will add a nice crunch and a flavor kick to the base of your taco bake.
- Spread the seasoned meat evenly over the layer of Fritos.
- Cheese Sauce Preparation:
- In a small saucepan, combine the cheddar cheese soup and milk. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is warm and smooth. This shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.
- Pour this warm cheese sauce evenly over the seasoned meat layer in the baking dish.
- Adding the Mozzarella:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the cheese sauce. The mozzarella will melt and create a gooey, delicious top layer.
- Baking:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-14 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to become bubbly and slightly golden brown.
- After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This helps in settling the layers, making it easier to serve.
- Serving:
- Serve the Rotel Tacos hot directly from the baking dish. You can scoop out portions onto plates and enjoy. This dish is perfect for a casual family dinner or as a fun party meal.
Tips:
- You can add a layer of refried beans or a sprinkle of diced onions and tomatoes between the meat and cheese layers for extra flavor and texture.
- Garnish with sour cream, salsa, or chopped cilantro if desired for an extra touch of freshness.
This expanded recipe gives a little more detail on each step, making it easier to follow and ensuring delicious results!
