Baked Tacos

Tonight's recipe is one of those that very well could have used a huge cheat from the pantry: a taco seasoning packet.  However, I highly suggest trying the recipe below, which includes making your own taco seasoning.  Not only do you probably have all the ingredients already in your spice rack, but you can control the amount of salt going in (and in this case, none!).  And... I would dare to say you would never know by the taste that you made your own seasoning.

Now - on to the tacos themselves.  A little ground meat, add in some tomato sauce, refried beans, and that taco seasoning, and you have your filling.  Then - the trick: baking the tacos, stuffed and cheesed.  They were great!  The filling was warm, the cheese, melted - all that was left was to top them off with your condiments of choice. 

The only bit in question with these tacos was the shells themselves.  We don't usually go hard-shell, but this is the best to use.  Upon our first bites, both the hubs and I thought maybe the pre-packaged shelled might have been stale - or - when you bake the shells they get a little chewy/stale.  Have yet to make a final verdict on the shells themselves, but a good taco recipe nonetheless. 

If you make these, report back on the shells, if you would be so kind!

Baked Tacos

Baked Tacos

What You Need:

• 1 lb ground meat (I used ground turkey)
• 2 tsp dried minced onion
• 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 4 oz (1/2 can) tomato sauce
• 8 oz (1/2 can) refried beans
• Shredded cheese (I used this)
• 10 hard taco shells (I used these)

How You Do It:

1. In a small bowl, combine minced onion, chili powder, cornstarch, cumin, and oregano. 
2. In large skillet, brown meat until no longer pink.  Add seasoning mix, tomato sauce, and refried beans.  Mix to combine.
3. Divide mix into 10 taco shells and place in baking dish.
4. Top with cheese.
5. Bake 400* 5-8 minutes or until cheese has melted.

Baked Tacos recipe adapted from BlogChef.