Me + My Oven = BFF

I’m a pretty big fan of anything I can pop into the oven.  I love all things roasted, broiled, and baked.  And pretty much anything fried {but that’s a whole different post}.  It would only stand to reason that I’d be in oven HEAVEN with this little recipe.  And the fact that I can use my oven just upped it’s likability factor that much more.  After finding this recipe, I can already tell you that my oven and I are pretty much BFF.  It *might* be a one-sided friendship, but it’s a friendship nonetheless :)

OVEN BAKED TACOS

recipe adapted from Mommy I’m Hungry

2 lbs. ground beef

1 small onion, diced

1 can {4 oz.} diced green chiles

1 pkg. taco seasoning

1 {8 oz.} can tomato sauce

1 {16 oz.} can refried beans

2 cups shredded Colby/Monterrey Jack cheese

Crispy taco shells {we used Ortega brand}

Optional toppings:  pico de gallo, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, olives…whatever you like to fancy up your taco!

Save this little number for a night when you want to take it a little easier in the kitchen.  As you can see, you won’t need too much!

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Brown meat and onion.  Unless you’re working with random LED lighting in your vent hood, then your meat won’t have a blue-ish tint like mine :)

Once the meat is browned…or “blue-d” in my case…drain and return to skillet. Add chiles, refried beans, tomato sauce, and taco seasoning.  Mix well and cook for a few minutes or until the mixture has time to thicken up.

Spoon the mixture into the bottom of your taco shells and arrange in a baking dish. 

Top off the tacos with a little…or a lot of…shredded cheese.  Do you hear that?!?!  That’s just the calories talking.  Don’t let them scare you.  Once you take your first bite, you won’t be able to hear them anymore :)

Now pop the tacos into your preheated oven and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is all melted and bubbly.  Remove from oven and sprinkle with any toppings that make you happy.  I *highly* recommend pico de gallo!  ALWAYS my topping of choice :)

My oven and I became BFF the night she popped these out.  Holy happiness.  SO good.  These would be great to make if you’re cooking for a crowd…maybe even for a little party.  It’ll taste like you spent hours in the kitchen and your guests will be SO very impressed by your cooking prowess.