I love Vegetarian Layered Taco Bake. I mean, what;s not to love? Essentially this is a taco lasagna. Layers of warm tortillas with veggies and a protein. Smothered in cheese and salsa. Yum.
What is a casserole, bake and hot dish?
Of course being from the Midwest I have a fondness for bakes, casseroles and hot dishes. Depending on where you grew up it’s called something different however they all generally are made up of the same thing.
A casserole, bake or hot dish is a dish that is baked that includes a starch, vegetable and protein with a crunchy crust or topping. It was created back in the farming days when families needed something hearty, filling, and budget friendly. They where also the go to for church gatherings, funerals, and family reunions. I can honestly say I didn’t like half of them but what I did like was how they brought people together.
I would always be greeted by some form of one pan, baked dish every time I would visit a relative or go to a certain function. It was tradition. Something I knew to expect. As an adult I can now appreciate how nice it is to have something that is budget friendly, and quick to make. Now days I hope to make my own traditions. Ones that may not be as heavy on the canned soup!
This vegetarian layered taco bake is a definite upgrade from the ones I had as a kid. Taco Bake is hearty, flavorful and makes the perfect leftovers. Honestly I like it better the second day then the first! It’s so quick and easy to throw together. If you like tacos, and fiesta goodness. This bake is for you!
Layered Taco Bake
Equipment
- 9×13 Baking pan
Ingredients
Corn Salsa
- 1 Can Corn Drained
- 1 Can Black Beans Rinsed and Drained
- 1 Jalapeno Seeded and Diced
- 1 Red Bell Pepper Seeded and Diced
- 1/2 Red Onion Diced
- 1/2 Cup Cilantro Chopped
- 1/2 Tsp salt
- 1 Tsp Cumin
- 1/4 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1/2 Lime Squeezed.
Meat
- 1 12oz Bag of Quorn Crumbles You can also substitute for 1 lbs ground beef if you'd like.
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 2 Tbsp Taco Seasoning 2 1/2 Tbsp if using ground beef.
- 15 Corn Tortillas Cut in half
- 2 Cups Salsa I use Salsa Lisa
- 1 16 Oz Bag of Shredded Cheddar Cheese. I use DF Daiya but you can also use real cheddar.
Instructions
- Preheat you oven to 400 degrees.
- Create your corn salsa by adding your corn, black beans, peppers, onion, cilantro and seasoning to a bowl. Add in your lime juice and mix well.
- Next using a large Saute pan, place it on your stove top. Turn it on medium high heat.
- Add in your meatless meat crumbles. I like using Quorn Meatless Crumbles.
- Add in your taco seasoning and water.
- Stir until combined and water is absorbed. Take off heat.
- To assemble your bake you want to have a 9×13 baking pan.
- Cut you corn tortillas in half. Should resemble a half circle.
- Place 6 tortilla halves around the edges flat side pressing on the edge of the pan. Place 4 more in the center covering the whole pan.
- Next add half of your meat and half of your corn salsa on top of the tortillas. Spread out evenly. Sprinkle with some cheese.
- Continue with another layer tortilla, meat, salsa and topping it with 10 more tortilla halves.
- Pour on your salsa and add remaining cheese.
- Put in the oven and bake for 35 minutes.
- When finished pull out to let cool for 15 minutes and then serve.
- Its great with additional salsa, sour cream and lime.