When it comes to pairing with a taco bake, there are several sides that can complement and enhance the flavors. 

Guacamole is a must, with its creamy texture and fresh taste that beautifully balances the spices of the dish. Salsa, whether it’s salsa verde or a chunky tomato version, brings a refreshing zing and a touch of heat. 

A simple corn salad with lime dressing adds a bright, crisp element to the meal, offering a sweet contrast to the savory flavors. Mexican rice, fluffy and spiced with cumin and lime, serves as a perfect base for the taco bake, absorbing the flavors while adding its own.

 For a low-carb option, lettuce wraps provide a crunchy, fresh alternative that complements the dish perfectly. With these sides, you’ll have a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Let me tell you about one of my go-to household favorites: Pamela’s Taco Bake. This dish has made its way into my weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings alike. 

Born out of the need for something quick yet flavorful, the taco bake has a place in my recipe book.

Imagine pulling this cheesy, savory, and slightly spicy casserole from the oven. The aroma fills the kitchen—everyone’s mouth starts to water. 

You’ll want the dish to cool for just a moment before diving in, as the melted cheese and layered flavors are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.

In this blog post, you’ll discover what Pamela’s Taco Bake is all about, how it differs from regular taco bakes, and the culinary journey that comes with creating it. 

Let’s explore the amazing flavors and textures together!

What is Pamela’s Taco Bake?

Pamela’s Taco Bake is not your standard taco dish. Instead, it combines elements of classic nachos and Mexican flavors, baked to perfection. This dish uses Pamela’s Gluten-Free Baking & Pancake Mix, making it accessible for those who require gluten-free options.

The layers of ingredients create a hearty yet satisfying meal. Imagine ground beef combined with spices and topped with shredded cheese, all nestled between layers of crunchy corn chips. It is comfort food at its finest but with a healthy twist.

What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Taco Bakes?

A typical taco bake often features tortillas at its base. However, Pamela’s version substitutes those with crushed gluten-free corn chips. 

This small shift impacts the texture and flavor significantly, providing a delightful crunch that contrasts with the savory meat and gooey cheese.

Additionally, the spices selected here are more than just standard taco seasoning. Smoked paprika, cumin, and a touch of cayenne pepper deliver depth and warmth. The use of RO-TEL tomatoes adds a hint of zing that distinguishes it from other taco bakes. 

This is a bubbly, bubbling dish that makes you want to gather family and friends to create more than just a meal but an experience.

How Does It Taste?

The first bite offers a complex mix of flavors. You’ll savor the richness of the ground beef seasoned perfectly with spices. The corn chips add a satisfying crunch that offsets the creaminess of melted Monterey Jack cheese. 

The diced tomatoes contribute tanginess, while the fresh cilantro sprinkled on top brings a burst of freshness. Overall, it’s a balanced dish that satisfies but leaves room for dessert!

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Dish

To whip up this delightful taco bake, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1¾ cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 pound of extra-lean ground beef
• 1 can (10 oz.) of RO-TEL diced tomatoes with green chilies (original)
• 1½ cups of crushed gluten-free corn chips
• 1 tablespoon of finely minced dried onion flakes
• 2 teaspoons of smoked chili powder
• ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
• 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon of dried oregano
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon of granulated garlic
• A pinch of cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1½ cups of water (divided into ¾ cup portions)
• 1¾ cups of Pamela’s Gluten-Free Baking & Pancake Mix
• 1 large egg

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to cook the taco bake evenly while developing that golden, bubbly cheese finish.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Breaking it up with a spatula, cook it until no longer pink. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Tomatoes

Once the beef is cooked, add the dried onion flakes, smoked chili powder, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, cumin, oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well until the meat is coated with the seasonings. 

Then, add the can of RO-TEL tomatoes along with ¾ cup of water. Stir again and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

While your meat mixture simmers, grab a baking dish. Lightly grease it to prevent sticking. An 8×8 inch size works well, but you can adjust based on the volume of your ingredients.

Step 5: Create the Layers

Start with a layer of crushed corn chips at the bottom. Next, add half of the meat mixture over the chips, followed by a layer of Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat these layers, finishing off with a final layer of cheese on top.

Step 6: Mix Pancake Mix and Egg

In a bowl, combine Pamela’s Gluten-Free Baking & Pancake Mix, the remaining ¾ cup of water, and the large egg. Whisk until well blended. Pour this mixture over the entire bake. The pancake mix will help bring everything together.

Step 7: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. To achieve a beautifully golden top, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking. The cheese should bubble and slightly brown.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving much easier.

Tips & Tricks on Making Pamela’s Taco Bake

1. Make it Ahead: Prepare the taco bake a day in advance. Just cover it and store it in the refrigerator. When it’s time to eat, pop it in the oven, and it will be just as delicious.
2. Use Leftover Meat: Got leftover taco meat? This recipe is an excellent way to use it. It’ll cut down on your prep time, making dinner a breeze.
3. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to swap Monterey Jack with Cheddar or Pepper Jack for an extra kick. Cheese choices can significantly alter taste.
4. Gluten-Free Alternatives: If you need a gluten-free option, be cautious with the corn chips; not all brands are gluten-free. Check the label.
5. Spice It Up: For those who love heat, add sliced jalapeños into the meat mixture or sprinkle on top before baking. Spice lovers rejoice!

How Do I Store This Dish?

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or oven until warm. This dish freezes well too! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the freezer for up to three months.

What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Pamela’s Taco Bake?

If you’re missing an ingredient or want to mix things up, here are some substitutions:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for lean turkey or chicken. It’s a healthier option and works perfectly with the spices.
• Vegetarian Crumbles: For a veggie-friendly bake, opt for meat substitutes like Beyond Meat or any plant-based ground meat.
• Beans: Add black beans or pinto beans for extra fiber and protein. Just rinse and drain before adding to the meat mixture.
• Gluten-Free Tortillas: If you have some gluten-free tortillas on hand, cut them up instead of using corn chips for a different texture.
• Dairy-Free Cheese: If you’re avoiding dairy, there are numerous plant-based cheese alternatives available that melt nicely and can replace the Monterey Jack.

Pamela Dunlap

Pamelas Taco Bake Recipe

When it comes to pairing with a taco bake, there are several sides that can complement and enhance the flavors.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 448

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1¾ cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 pound of extra-lean ground beef
• 1 can 10 oz. of RO-TEL diced tomatoes with green chilies (original)
• 1½ cups of crushed gluten-free corn chips
• 1 tablespoon of finely minced dried onion flakes
• 2 teaspoons of smoked chili powder
• ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
• 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon of dried oregano
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon of granulated garlic
• A pinch of cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro chopped
• 1½ cups of water divided into ¾ cup portions
• 1¾ cups of Pamela’s Gluten-Free Baking & Pancake Mix
• 1 large egg

Equipment

• skillet 

Method

 

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to cook the taco bake evenly while developing that golden, bubbly cheese finish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Breaking it up with a spatula, cook it until no longer pink. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Once the beef is cooked, add the dried onion flakes, smoked chili powder, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, cumin, oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well until the meat is coated with the seasonings.
4. Then, add the can of RO-TEL tomatoes along with ¾ cup of water. Stir again and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. While your meat mixture simmers, grab a baking dish. Lightly grease it to prevent sticking. An 8×8 inch size works well, but you can adjust based on the volume of your ingredients.
6. Start with a layer of crushed corn chips at the bottom. Next, add half of the meat mixture over the chips, followed by a layer of Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat these layers, finishing off with a final layer of cheese on top.
7. In a bowl, combine Pamela’s Gluten-Free Baking & Pancake Mix, the remaining ¾ cup of water, and the large egg. Whisk until well blended. Pour this mixture over the entire bake. The pancake mix will help bring everything together.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. To achieve a beautifully golden top, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking. The cheese should bubble and slightly brown.
9. Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving much easier.

Nutrition

Calories: 448kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 23gFat: 27.3gSaturated Fat: 14.6gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 474mgFiber: 6gSugar: 1g

Notes

• Make it Ahead: Prepare the taco bake a day in advance. Just cover it and store it in the refrigerator. When it’s time to eat, pop it in the oven, and it will be just as delicious.
• Use Leftover Meat: Got leftover taco meat? This recipe is an excellent way to use it. It’ll cut down on your prep time, making dinner a breeze.
• Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to swap Monterey Jack with Cheddar or Pepper Jack for an extra kick. Cheese choices can significantly alter taste.
• Gluten-Free Alternatives: If you need a gluten-free option, be cautious with the corn chips; not all brands are gluten-free. Check the label.
• Spice It Up: For those who love heat, add sliced jalapeños into the meat mixture or sprinkle on top before baking. Spice lovers rejoice!

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Pamela’s Taco Bake is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. With its delightful crunch, savory spices, and creamy layers, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. 

This recipe shows how you can combine fun textures and flavors while catering to various dietary needs. Whether for a family dinner or a gathering, it impresses each time.

So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and soon you will savor a dish that brings everyone together. The compliments alone will make the effort worthwhile. Now, which pairings are you going to try? 

Happy cooking!

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