BAKED BEEF TACOS

Baked Beef Tacos image

This taco recipe takes classic taco ingredients and gives them a fresh approach by baking the shells upright in refried beans and tomatoes. The bottom gets soft, and the top stays crisp and crunchy. -Patricia Stagich, Elizabeth, New Jersey

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 35m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 envelope taco seasoning
2 cans (10 ounces each) diced tomatoes and green chiles, divided
1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, optional
12 taco shells
Chopped green onions

Steps:

Preheat oven to 425°. In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until no longer pink, breaking into crumbles; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and 1 can of undrained tomatoes; heat through., Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix beans, 1/2 cup cheese, cilantro, remaining can of undrained tomatoes and, if desired, pepper sauce. Spread onto bottom of a greased 13x9-in. baking dish., Stand taco shells upright over bean mixture. Fill each with 1 tablespoon cheese and about 1/3 cup beef mixture. Bake, covered, 15 minutes., Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, 5-7 minutes or until cheese is melted and shells are lightly browned. Sprinkle with green onions.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 277 calories, Fat 15g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 52mg cholesterol, Sodium 836mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 17g protein.