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Healthy Ground Beef Taco Bake - A Fresh, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Lean ground beef: 1 pound (90–95% lean).
  • Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced.
  • Bell pepper: 1 medium (any color), diced.
  • Garlic: 2–3 cloves, minced.
  • Black beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed.
  • Corn: 1 cup frozen or canned (drained).
  • Diced tomatoes with green chiles: 1 can (10 oz), undrained, or plain diced tomatoes.
  • Taco seasoning: 2–3 tablespoons (store-bought or homemade).
  • Low-sodium beef or chicken broth: 1/2 cup.
  • Whole-wheat tortillas (3–4 medium) or cooked brown rice/quinoa (2 cups) for the base.
  • Shredded cheese: 1 to 1 1/2 cups (reduced-fat Mexican blend or cheddar).
  • Greek yogurt or light sour cream: for topping.
  • Fresh toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, cilantro, avocado or guacamole, lime wedges.
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: 1 tablespoon.
  • Salt and pepper: to taste.

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or use an oven-safe skillet.
  2. Cook the aromatics: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium. Add onion and bell pepper; cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
  3. Brown the beef: Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until no longer pink, 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Season and simmer: Sprinkle in taco seasoning, then add broth and the can of diced tomatoes with juices. Stir in black beans and corn. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Assemble the base: Place halved tortillas in the dish, overlapping to cover the bottom (or spread an even layer of cooked brown rice or quinoa). This forms a sturdy base.
  6. Add the filling: Spoon the beef mixture over the base and spread evenly.
  7. Cheese it up: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top in an even layer. Use more for extra indulgence or less for a lighter bake.
  8. Bake: Transfer to the oven and bake 12–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbly.
  9. Rest and top: Let it rest 5 minutes so it sets. Add fresh toppings—lettuce, tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, avocado—and a few dollops of Greek yogurt. Squeeze lime over the top for brightness.
  10. Serve: Cut into squares and serve warm. Add hot sauce if you like extra heat.